Background/aim: This study aimed to examine the demographics and histopathological features of oral cavity cancers (OCCs) managed in our clinic. Materials and methods: Patients who were diagnosed with OCCs in the Gazi University Otorhinolaryngology Department between the years 1993 and 2013 were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Surgical archive charts and pathology records were reviewed in detail regarding the anatomical and histopathological profiles of the tumors, as well as the demographic data of the patients. Results: Out of 230 patients with OCCs, the most common anatomic location and histopathological diagnosis were found to be the oral tongue (41.4%) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (84.3%), respectively. A marked predominance of SCC was observed in all subsites of the oral cavity except the hard palate location. The mean age at presentation was 55.5 ± 13.4 years (±SD). The male:female ratio was found to be 2.2:1. A male predominance was also present in all subsites except the retromolar trigon. Conclusion: OCCs particularly concern the elderly population with a male predominance. The most common location and histopathological type are the oral tongue and SCC, respectively.