[A controlled-case study on risk factors in tumors of the oral cavity. Perspectives and indications for early diagnosis]

The literature on carcinomas of the oral cavity shows general agreement that alcohol and smoking are risk factors. Only a few authors blame poor hygiene. The retrospective survey conducted in Genoa aimed to evaluate the relative importance of these risk factors, by means of a case-controlled study linking a specific risk factor to a specific condition. 98 histologically confirmed cases were hospitalised in 1979-80. A similar survey was conducted on a control group. Smoking and alcohol, often both together, were found to be the most significant aetiopathogenetic risk factors in the oncological pathology of the oral cavity.