Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: 3-Year Survival Statistics in Western Maharashtra

Abstract

Background: Advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, particularly in India, where tobacco and alcohol consumption contribute to disease burden.

Aim/Objectives: To evaluate three-year survival outcomes and assess associations between survival and demographic, clinical, tumour-related, and treatment factors among patients with advanced HNSCC in Western Maharashtra.

Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 45 patients treated at a tertiary care centre during 2022, with follow-up from 2023 to 2025. Clinical records and survival outcomes were analysed using SPSS version 27.0. Categorical variables were compared using appropriate statistical tests, with p≤0.05 considered statistically significant.

Result: A total of 45 patients were included, with male predominance (77.8%, n=35). Most patients were below 60 years (57.8%, n=26). The tongue was the most common tumour site (35.6%, n=16), and well-differentiated carcinoma was the predominant histological type (48.9%, n=22). Stage IVA disease was most frequent (62.2%, n=28). Combined surgery and chemoradiotherapy was administered to 62.2% (n=28), while 37.8% (n=17) received chemoradiotherapy alone. Overall, 55.6% (n=25) of patients were alive and 44.4% (n=20) had died at the reported follow-up. Survival was higher among patients below 60 years (69.23%) than older patients (36.84%). Survival decreased with increasing number of addictions (68.18%, 52.94%, and 16.67% for one, two, and three addictions, respectively). Stage-wise survival rates were 71.43%, 51.85%, and 0% for Stages III, IVA, and IVB, respectively. Survival was higher among patients receiving combined surgery and chemoradiotherapy (82.14%) than among those receiving chemoradiotherapy alone (11.76%).

Conclusion: Advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma showed a male predominance, with the tongue being the most frequently affected site and Stage IVA being the most common presentation. Higher observed survival was noted among patients aged below 60 years and those receiving combined surgery and chemoradiotherapy. Survival also tended to decrease with advancing disease stage and an increasing number of addictions. Early diagnosis and appropriate multimodality treatment may improve patient outcomes; however, larger studies with detailed follow-up are required to validate these findings.