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Aim:

This review aims to identify demographic and clinical characteristics of oral cancer (OC) identified among female patients in the past 25 years, and to explore associated potential risk factors.

Methods:

We systematically reviewed the literature in PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus data bases to retrieve case reports published during the period 2000–2024 that described OC in women. Retrieved data included patient (age, country, history) and disease (location, presentation) factors.

Results:

A total of 63 cases for females affected by OC were included. A proportion of 32.8% was reported from East Asia. Mean age was 48.7 ± 19.9 years (range = 17–88 years). The main locations of cancer were the tongue (44.4%), followed by the gingiva (36.5%). Age was a significant factor for cancer location; tongue in patients <50 years (P < .001); and gingiva in patients ≥50 years (P = .001). Most cases of OC were squamous cell carcinoma (SCC; 92.1%), and identified in East Asian countries. Tumors presenting as a mass were significantly located on the gingiva (P = .011). Most tongue cancers were ulcers; however, there was no significant association (P = .058). Twelve (19.0%) cases were pregnant with OC significantly presenting on tongue (P = .025). A proportion of 89.6% constituted SCC in the tongue presenting mainly as a lump (49.2%), and ulcer (39.7%).

Conclusions:

Traditional risk factors were not identified in most cases. Females of all age groups regardless of medical/habitual background should be properly screened for OC. Improvements are warranted in healthcare systems particularly in low-resource settings to spread awareness among patients, their families, and their healthcare providers.