EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF MALIGNANT AND PREMALIGNANT INJURIES OF THE HISTOPATHOLOGICAL DIAGNOSIS SERVICE OF A UNIVERSITY

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent malignant lesion of the oral cavity. There are several premalignant lesions in the literature that present different levels of dysplasia, and the correct diagnosis is essential to prevent progression. The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence of malignant and premalignant lesions in the Histopathological Diagnostic Service of a university in southern Brazil. <h3>Study Design</h3> 1318 reports issued by the Histopathological Diagnosis Service between 2002 and 2020 were analyzed, establishing the prevalence of injuries with the presence of mild, moderate, and intense dysplasia and carcinomas. <h3>Results</h3> 82% of patients were male and the most prevalent site was the tongue (50%), followed by the alveolar ridge (20%) and palate (16%). Histopathologic diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma for 38.93% of cases, followed by mild epithelial dysplasia and moderate epithelial dysplasia. Among patients diagnosed with cancer, 84% had a smoking habit. Smoking increased the chance of developing carcinoma in the oral cavity by 4 times. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Most patients who developed squamous cell carcinoma used tobacco. The study demonstrates the association with malignant lesions in the mouth and reinforces the importance of good anamnesis focusing on the history of tobacco use.