Mapping Australia’s hospital care for malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx: An ecological study

Neoplastic malignant tumors originating from inside the upper aerodigestive tract are referred to as lip, oral cavity, and pharyngeal malignancies. This study aimed to analyze the hospitalization profile for malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity, and pharynx in Australia. This was a longitudinal ecological study that utilized the National Hospitals Data Collection in Australia database between 1998 and 2023. Hospitalization data were identified using the ICD codes C00-C14. Between 1998 and 2023, Australia reported a total of 160,055 hospitalization episodes. A large proportion of these admissions were overnight stays (69.7%). Most hospitalizations occurred among males (71.9%). The highest proportion of hospitalization episodes was amongst the 60 to 74 age group, who accounted for 39.8% of total episodes. Malignant neoplasm of other and unspecified parts of the tongue was the most common hospitalization reason, accounting for 14.5% of episodes. During the study period, the rate of same-day hospitalization increased by 55.9% (P < .001). However, the rates of overnight-stay-related hospitalization decreased by 9.7% (P < .001). Malignant neoplasms of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx are responsible for a sizeable healthcare burden among Australians, with the highest proportion of hospitalized cases occurring for males and those aged 60 to 74 years. There has been a significant increase in hospitalization involving same-day procedures. Investment in models of care offering same-day treatment and supportive care for older adults may contribute to mitigating inpatient pressures.