ORAL CANCER IN OLDER ADULTS: RECENT EVIDENCE AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS – AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This study presents an integrative literature review from the last five years on oral cancer in older adults, analyzing epidemiological patterns, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, therapeutic approaches, and quality of life implications in individuals aged 60 years or older. Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and Google Scholar, including articles published between 2019 and 2024 from clinical trials, systematic reviews, and observational studies focused on elderly populations. Findings indicate that oral cancer demonstrates distinct behavior in older adults, with a high prevalence of late-stage diagnosis, a strong influence of immunosenescence, and significant contribution from cumulative exposures such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, denture-related trauma, and poor oral hygiene. Functional limitations, nutritional vulnerability, and multiple comorbidities negatively affect treatment tolerance and increase postoperative and therapy-related complications. Five-year survival remains low in this age group, influenced by advanced staging, reduced therapeutic adherence, and limited access to specialized care. This review highlights the need for prevention policies, early detection strategies, multidisciplinary management, and individualized therapeutic planning to improve clinical outcomes for elderly patients with oral cancer.