Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Oral Tumors among Libyan Patients

Background: Oral tumors comprise a wide spectrum of lesions with variable biological behavior and represent a significant health concern worldwide. In Libya, epidemiological and clinicopathological data on oral tumors remain scarce and fragmented. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using medical and histopathological records of 152 patients diagnosed with oral tumors between April 2024 and December 2025. Data on age, sex, anatomical site, histopathological diagnosis, tumor nature (benign or malignant), and treatment modalities were collected and analyzed descriptively. Results: The mean age of patients was 46.3 ± 15.8 years, with a male predominance (61.8%) and a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. The most affected age group was 41–60 years. The tongue was the most common anatomical site (34.2%), followed by the gingiva and buccal mucosa. Malignant tumors accounted for 64.5% of cases, with oral squamous cell carcinoma being the predominant histopathological type. Benign tumors constituted 35.5% of cases and were mainly odontogenic, particularly ameloblastoma and odontoma. Surgical treatment was the primary management approach, with adjuvant therapy applied in selected malignant cases. Conclusion: Malignant oral tumors, particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma, were predominant among middle-aged male patients, with the tongue as the most frequently involved site. These findings highlight the importance of early diagnosis, histopathological confirmation, and timely surgical intervention, and emphasize the need for improved awareness and preventive strategies to reduce the burden of oral tumors in Libya.