Oral Leukoplakia – A hospital based study

Background: Oral Leukoplakia is the most common potentially malignant lesion of the oral mucosa. It is seen most frequently in middle-aged and older men, with an increasing prevalence with age. Less than one percent of men below the age of 30 years have oral leukoplakia. The etiology is multifactorial but the most common cause associated with oral leukoplakia is tobacco consumption. Aim: To establish the prevalence and assess the sociodemographic data along with clinical presentation of Oral Leukoplakia associated with tobacco consumption from the records of the department. Materials and Method: The present hospital based retrospective study on oral leukoplakia associated with tobacco consumption was conducted by assessing the records available in the department. The data of total 579 patients was collected, evaluated and analyzed statistically by using SPSS version 17 and the p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: From the present study it was concluded that oral leukoplakia was more prevalent in the age group of 60-64 years, more commonly seen in males, more prevalent in rural area and most commonly associated with Bidi smoking. The study further concluded that the Homogenous type of oral leukoplakia was distinctly noticed and the most common affected oral site was buccal mucosa. Conclusion: The early diagnosis and treatment of oral leukoplakia should be effectively carried out. The condition of the lesion may remain either stationary or become severe. Dentists, ENT Surgeons and General Physicians play an important role in educating the patients about the perils of PISSN