Oral Cancer Surgeries in Medicine and Dentistry Departments in Japan: Insights from National Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups Open Data

Abstract

　　We analyzed the number of medical and dental surgeries for oral cancer in Japan. The number of oral cancer surgeries in 2021 was analyzed using the NDB Open Data, and trends by sex, age group, and geographical region were investigated. Trends from 2016-2021 were also investigated for tongue malignancy surgeries. Surgeries for oral cancer were predominantly performed in dentistry departments, especially procedures for early-stage cancers. On the contrary, the proportion of surgeries performed in medical departments was higher for procedures related to advanced cancers, potentially requiring reconstruction. Among all surgeries for tongue cancer performed in 2021, 44.1% of glossectomy [partial] (1,667 out of 3,781 cases) and 89.2% of glossectomy [subtotal] (503 out of 564 cases) were performed in the medical department. Annual trends from 2016-2021 remained consistent for both departments. For glossectomy [partial], the proportion of surgeries performed in dentistry departments tended to be higher among women and the elderly, with large regional differences. Although the situation of oral cancer surgery is unique in Japan, medical-dental collaboration should be promoted to ensure that patients are provided with the best possible medical care.