FROM EPITHELIAL DYSPLASIA TO SQUAMOUS CARCINOMA IN THE HEAD AND NECK REGION - AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC ASSESSMENT

The evolution of 97 cases of epithelial dysplasia in the head and neck region was retrospectively controlled, with a mean follow-up of 30 mo nths. Dysplastic mucosal areas were observed in the oral cavity in 11 cases, in the pharynx (oro- and hypopharynx) in 39 cases and in the la rynx (supraglottic and glottic regions) in 47 cases. According to the criteria defined by the WHO the dysplasia was classified as mild, mode rate and severe. Fifty out of the 97 patients developed a squamous car cinoma in the same area, demonstrating a significant direct correlatio n between age and neoplastic evolution. A direct correlation was also observed between severity of dysplasia and carcinomatous evolution. Fu rther direct correlations were observed between degree of dysplasia, c arcinomatous evolution and amount of exposure to cigarette smoke and a lcohol.