Oral Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Young Adults in Brazil: Temporal Trends From 2013 to 2023

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the temporal trends of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) in Brazil from 2013 to 2023, comparing young adults (20 to 44 years) to older adults (≥ 45 years). METHODS: Sex, age, staging, year, and Federative Unit of diagnosis were evaluated for all cases registered under the ICD-C02 code in a public nationwide database. Statistics encompassed the Dickey-Fuller and Mann-Kendall tests, Kendall's Tau coefficient, and Sen's Slope Estimator. RESULTS: The registry of OTSCC increased from 2013 to 2023, with a stronger and more consistent trend in young adults. OTSCC showed a stronger, more consistent, and higher rate of increase in young females than in young males. OTSCC was diagnosed at advanced stages in both age groups. OTSCC increasing trends were pronounced in the North region. CONCLUSION: This study presented an overview of the temporal trends of OTSCC in Brazil, evidencing an increase among young women.