Malignant Tumours of the Lip and Oral Cavity in Libya: A Scoping Review of Epidemiological and Clinicopathological Evidence

Abstract

Published evidence on malignant tumours of the lip and oral cavity in Libya is fragmented across hospital series, pathology archives, institutional reports, and regional cancer registries. This scoping review mapped the epidemiological and clinicopathological evidence on these tumours and identified priorities for surveillance and research. PubMed and supplementary Libyan journal, repository, and citation sources were searched from inception to 13 August 2026. Eligible evidence primarily corresponded to ICD/ICD-O topographies C00–C06; mixed oral/maxillofacial or head-and-neck studies were retained only when relevant findings could be identified and were not pooled. Of 79 records identified, 70 unique records were screened, 16 full-text reports were assessed, and 10 studies were included. The evidence was predominantly retrospective and institution-based, with most studies linked to Benghazi or Sabratha. Squamous cell carcinoma was the leading malignant histology in the reported malignant epithelial cohorts, and the tongue was frequently involved. Information on stage, behavioural risk factors, treatment, recurrence, and survival was limited. Heterogeneous case definitions, different denominators, and possible overlap between institutional cohorts prevented meaningful summation of sample sizes or national estimation. The available evidence suggests a recurring pattern of oral squamous cell carcinoma, frequent tongue involvement, and male predominance in selected Libyan cohorts, but it does not establish national incidence or prevalence. Standardized ICD-O-based registration, explicit reporting of stage and risk factors, deduplication across institutions, and geographically representative surveillance are priorities for future oral-cancer control and research in Libya.