Les tumeurs de la cavité buccale : profils épidémiologique et anatomopathologique à Dakar

Introduction: Oral cavity tumours are a major public health problem and pose a dual diagnostic and management challenge. This study aimed to report the epidemiological and histopathological features of oral cavity tumours diagnosed in pathology laboratories in Dakar. Materials and methods: We conducted a multicentre, retrospective, descriptive study from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2025 in three pathology laboratories in Dakar, based on archived pathology reports. All patients with a histologically confirmed oral cavity tumour, with or without immunohistochemistry, were included. Data were analysed with Excel. Results: We identified 369 patients, accounting for 6.8% of all tumours diagnosed. There was a female predominance (54.5%; sex ratio: 0.8). The mean age was 49.2 years, and the 51–60-year age group was the most represented (20%; n = 74). Lesions were ulcero-vegetating in 77.0% of cases (n = 284). The tongue was the most frequent site (24.9%; n = 92). Tumours were malignant in 74.5% of cases (n = 275), mainly squamous cell carcinoma (76.7%); papilloma was the most frequent benign tumour (38.3%). Conclusion: Oral cavity tumours are common and predominantly malignant. They are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, underlining the importance of early screening and management.