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Abstract

Objectives: To focus the light on the aetiology of oral cancer in the Sudan.Numerous reports have shown that the incidence of oral cancer worldwide is on increase.The rising incidence of oral cancer, with the absence of the well established risk factors, has wrung alarm bells.Material and Methods: Website search (Pubmed central and google scholar) for publications addressing the aetiology of oral cancer in the Sudan, in addition to snuff dipping (Tombak) which is a common habit in Sudan.Results: During initial search 420 publications were identified, on exclusion of studies related to other countries and other body tumours 36 studies discussing the aetiology of oral cancer in the Sudan were examined.Conclusions: Toombak is the major contributing factor for oral cancer in the Sudan.The role of other contributing factors such as viruses other than Human Papilloma Virus, other types of tobacco such as smoked tobacco and alcohol still need more investigations.