Orofacial squamous cell carcinoma (OfSCC) represents a significant proportion of malignant head and neck lesions, with an estimated incidence of up to 90%. This study investigated the histopathological traits of OfSCC in Tanzanian patients, focusing on factors such as patient age, gender, and tumor location. The study analyzed cases diagnosed between 2016 and 2021 at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Muhimbili National Hospital. The data collected included patient demographics, tumor sites, and histological grading. The results showed an average patient age of 55.85 years, with a slightly higher incidence in males (male-to-female ratio 1.4:1). The majority of patients were in the age group of 60 years and above, accounting for 45.2% of cases. Intraoral tumors were the most common (87.6%), with the tongue and gingiva/alveolar ridge being the most affected sites (34.5% and 25.6%, respectively). For extra-oral cases, the midfacial region was the most frequently involved (68.5%). Histological analysis showed that 72% of the cases were classified as grade I. The findings indicated a predominance of older male patients, with the tongue, gingiva, and buccal mucosa being the primary intraoral sites and the midface the predominant extra-oral location.
