Prevalence Of Oral Mucosal Lesions Research Articles

Abstract A092: Tobacco use and prevalence of oral premalignant lesions, among Malayali tribes, Yelagiri Hills, Tamil nadu, India

Abstract BACKGROUND: India has the second largest tribal population of the world next to the African countries. About half of the world’s autochthonous people live in India, thus making India home to many tribes which have an interesting and varied history of origins, customs and social practices. The present study was conducted to assess the tobacco use and prevalence of precancerous lesions and oral cancer among Malayali tribes, Yelagiri Hills, Tamil nadu, India. METHODOLOGY The inhabitants of the 14 villages of the Yelagiri hills, who have completed 18years and residing for more than 15years present on the day of examination and who were willing to participate in the study were included. Data was collected from a cross-sectional survey, using a Survey Proforma, clinical examination and a pre-tested questionnaire. An intra-oral examination was carried out by a single examiner using WHO Oral Health Surveys – Basic Methods Proforma (1997). ResultsThe overall prevalence of smokeless and smoking tobacco was 78.8% and 65.2% respectively among 1550 study population. Of those who had the habit of smoking, 26% smoked beedi, 10.9% smoked cigarette, 65% chewed raw tobacco, 18% chewed Hans and 28% had a combination of smoking and smokeless tobacco usage. Around 49.8% of samples were stained positive for precancerous and cancerous lesions of the oral cavity. The highest number of positive samples were from buccal mucosa with 46.2% subjects and 12% for labial mucosa. The reason for practicing these habits were as a measure to combat the cold, relieving stress and body pain after work, and the lack of awareness of the hazards of the materials used. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in the study population was due to tobacco usage and alcohol consumption and lack of awareness regarding the deleterious effects of the products used. CONCLUSION Oral cancer is highly prevalent in this Malayali tribes owing to high tobacco consumption rates and habits warranting the cessation center a priority. Also, early detection and screening are vital to attaining better outcomes. Citation Format: Delfin Lovelina Francis. Tobacco use and prevalence of oral premalignant lesions, among Malayali tribes, Yelagiri Hills, Tamil nadu, India [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A092.

Which Is More Harmful for the Oral Mucosa: Cigarettes or Hookah? A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The popularity of hookah usage is on the rise in contemporary societies. Some individuals believe that using a hookah is less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes. Objectives: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among individuals who use hookah and cigarettes. Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted at Ahvaz Dental School, 102 individuals seeking examination and treatment for dental problems were recruited from spring 2022 to winter 2023 and categorized into three groups: Cigarette users (A), hookah users (B), and non-users of both (C). A thorough oral examination was performed on each patient to identify any oral mucosal lesions. If necessary, a biopsy was performed to confirm the diagnosis. The information for each patient was recorded on individual sheets and subsequently analyzed. To examine the relationship between qualitative variables, a chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was employed. Results: The most prevalent oral mucosal lesion observed in both group A (42%) and group B (27%) was hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa. Notably, a premalignant lesion was exclusively observed in individuals belonging to group A (7%). Complaints of bad taste in the mouth were more common in tobacco users (in any form) than in non-users (P = 0.004). Conclusions: Tobacco users (of any kind) have more oral lesions than non-smokers, although most of these lesions are harmless.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in smokers and non-smokers: A cross-sectional study in a male Egyptian population

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in smokers and non-smokers: A cross-sectional study in a male Egyptian population

Prevalence of oral lesions in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Isfahan

Background. One of the significant lesions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is oral lesions. Due to the high prevalence of these lesions and the lack of an accurate study on their frequency in Iran, the present study was performed to evaluate the frequency of oral lesions in patients with SLE in Isfahan to guide patients in receiving the necessary treatments. Methods. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 106 patients with SLE referred to the Rheumatology Clinics of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, were included. They clinically completed a checklist, and their medical records were evaluated. Sampling was done through convenience sampling, and the data were collected using a checklist. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 25, as well as descriptive statistical methods, including the preparation of frequency distribution tables and the calculation of the mean and standard deviation. Standard deviations, percentages, and correlation coefficients of Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. Results. The most common oral lesion was Erythema (29.63%), and the least common was Candidiasis (3.7%) and the most site of involvement was buccal mucosa. Conclusion. Due to the high prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with SLE, it is very important to emphasize the cooperation of rheumatologists and oral disease specialists for early diagnosis and accordingly patient’s guidance to commence the treatment faster. Practical Implications. There were 74.53% patients without oral lesions, whereas 25.47% had oral lesions.

Prevalence and Patterns of Oral Mucosal Lesions Among Geriatric Patients in India: A Retrospective Study.

Geriatric dentistry plays a pivotal role in addressing the oral health needs of the elderly population, who are prone to various age-related disorders affecting the oral mucosa. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among geriatric patients in India, considering factors, such as age, gender, and systemic diseases. A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted, analyzing medical and clinical examination records of 354 geriatric patients attending a dental college/hospital between 2022 and 2023. Data on demographics, systemic diseases, oral habits, and denture usage were collected, and oral mucosal lesions were classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Among the 354 subjects examined, oral mucosal lesions were observed in 54.66% of cases. Leukoplakia (19.49%) and lichen planus (17.80%) were the most prevalent lesions, followed by malignancy (12.99%) and denture stomatitis (9.04%). The prevalence varied across age-groups, with higher rates observed in individuals aged 60-70 years. The study highlights the significant burden of oral mucosal lesions among geriatric patients in India, underscoring the need for targeted preventive strategies and comprehensive oral healthcare interventions tailored to the specific needs of elderly individuals.

Clinical Profile and Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions in Tobacco Users-A Prospective Study from Jammu, India.

To evaluate the incidence of tobacco-related oral mucosal lesions in the adult population visiting ENT-OPD at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital, GMC Jammu, India. From December 2021 to November 2022 we attempted to compile the prevalence of tobacco-induced oral mucosal lesions in the adult population visiting ENT-OPD at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital Jammu, India. The study included a total of 400 patients of various age groups. The patients were divided as current users with a habit of tobacco consumption for atleast 6months and ex-users who had used any form of tobacco in their lifetime for a minimum of 6months but had abstained the use since last 1year. Age group, gender, employment, type of tobacco use, site of placement of tobacco in the oral cavity, frequency and duration of use, and the types of mucosal lesions were all documented on a standardized interviewer-based questionnaire.The oral mucosal lesions were diagnosed in accordance with international recommendations. Males (55%) had somewhat more oral mucosal lesions than females (45%). Oral submucous fibrosis was found in 110 individuals, followed by leukoplakia in 102, erythroplakia in 14, tobacco pouch keratosis in 81, tobacco induced melanosis in 82 patients and malignancy in 11 patients. 107 conventional smokers (26.75%), 254 patients using smokeless tobacco (63.5%) and 39 patients using combined form of tobacco (9.75%) showed oral mucosal lesions. The most prevalent site of lesions was the labial comissure, which showed 117 lesions (29.25%), followed by 114 lesions on the buccal mucosa (28.5%), and 99 lesions (24.75%) on buccal sulcus. Gingiva showed 41 lesions (10.25%), tongue had 15 entities (3.75%) and palate had 14 (3.5%). The most frequent oral mucosal lesion was shown to be oral submucous fibrosis, followed by leukoplakia. Smokeless tobacco was the most commonly used tobacco product. This study emphasizes the need of routine evaluation of the oral mucosa and the need for patients to be urged to stop this hazardous behavior.

Clinicoepidemiological Study of Oral Mucosal Lesions and Its Impact on Quality of Life in Patients Attending Skin OPD At Rural Based Tertiary Health Care Centre

Background Oral mucosa is one of the first barriers to the outside world which encounters various antigens, microorganisms and physical agents and it is in direct continuity with the skin externally and with the mucosa of oropharynx and nasopharynx internally. Objectives The objective of our study was to study the prevalence of oral mucosal lesion, its association with various dermatoses and quality of life in patients with oral mucosal lesions attending outpatient department of dermatology at a tertiary care health centre. Methods This study was an observational, purposive type of study conducted in Department of Dermatology at a tertiary health care centre. All the patients with oral mucosal lesion were included with full history and detailed examination noted in a prestructured proforma. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Children’s Life Quality Index (CDLQI) both were used to assess quality of life. Results: Among 202 (prevalence-0.8%) patients, maximum numbers of patients 53 (26.23 %) belonged to age group 31-40 years followed by 49(24.25 %) patients with age group of 21-30 years. Maximum numbers of patients were female 108 (53.46 %). Among oral ulcers recurrent aphthous stomatitis was the commonest finding seen in 56 (27.72%). Among cutaneous conditions associated with oral lesions oral lichen planus 50(24.75%) was the most common condition followed by pemphigus in 15(7.42%) patients. Out of 195 patients, maximum 86 (44.10%) patients were categorised as a moderately affected DLQI group. Conclusion: Oral ulcers were the most common finding seen in our study. There were a significant number of patients of cutaneous conditions associated with oral lesions seen.

Prevalencija lezija oralne mukoze kod institucionalizovanih starijih osoba

Background: The presence of mucosal changes and variations is quite high among institutionalized adults. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of oral mucosal changes among the institutionalized elderly. Material and method: The presented data originate from research done in the period from May-July 2018 in "Mother Teresa" nursing home in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. The investigation included a total number of 70 subjects older than 65 years and it was focused on the presence of mucosal changes. In describing the changes in oral mucosa we have used two differentiated termslesion or pathological change and variation from normal. Results: During the examination of the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions we have found that all the subjects have at least one oral change in their oral cavity. The average number of oral changes among the examined institutionalized elderly is 2,24 ± 0,69. Total number of diagnosed changes on oral mucosa among all 70 subjects was 157. In the group of normal mucosa, variations dominate status fordyce (35.71 %) and coated tongue (28,57%). In the group of pathological changes, there is a domination of the lesions associated with the wearing of prosthetic devices-ulcerous changes caused by the prosthetic devices (15.71%) and stomatitis protetica (10%). Conclusion: In the investigated population, there is a one hundred percent presence of oral changes. Most of them are variations of the oral mucosa. But more important pathological lesions are those associated with wearing prosthetic devices. Also, it is very important to stress that pathological lesions require constant monitoring.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with systemic Lupus Erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause a range of symptoms, including oral mucosal lesions (OMLs). The prevalence of OMLs in SLE patients and their associated factors have been studied in various regions, but the results are inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of OMLs in patients with SLE.MethodsObservational studies of OML prevalence in SLE patients published before 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library without language restriction. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).ResultsOur meta-analysis included 113 studies with a total of 53,307 SLE patients. We found that the prevalence of OMLs in SLE patients was 31% (95% CI: 28%, 35%), with oral ulcers being present in 30% of SLE patients (95% CI: 26%, 33%). Subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of OMLs varied significantly by region, disease activity, and sample size (p ≤ 0.01). However, gender and year of publication had little effect on the prevalence of OMLs (p = 0.78 and 0.30, respectively). Oral ulcers were significantly associated with age of onset (p = 0.02), geographic location (p < 0.01), and race (p < 0.01). We also found that the prevalence of oral erythema was 9%, oral candidiasis was 9%, petechiae was 8%, cheilitis was 6%, and white plaque was 3%.ConclusionsOur analysis showed that the prevalence of OMLs varied significantly by region and disease activity, and child-onset patients of Indian, Malay, and Caucasian descent were more likely to have oral ulcers. The high prevalence of OML in SLE patients emphasizes the importance of regular oral examination and management in the comprehensive care of individuals with SLE.

A reflection on COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesion: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review is to provide a clinical update of the current knowledge on COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions, to analyze the types and prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in patients with COVID-19, and to clarify the potential association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions. The literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and the Cochrane Library, as well as literatures via manual searches of the reference lists of included studies. Studies published in English that mentioned oral mucosal lesions in patients with COVID-19 were included, resulting in a total of 31 studies. Most of the included studies were considered to have a moderate to high risk of bias according to the Joanna Briggs Institute bias assessment tools. Based on COVID-19 severity, the characteristics and patterns of oral mucosal lesions in COVID-19 patients were described, analyzed and synthesized. Overall, ulcers without specific diagnosis had the highest prevalence in COVID-19 patients, followed by traumatic ulcers, candidiasis, petechiae and aphthous-like lesions. Homogeneity of data cannot be achieved in statical analysis, indicating randomness of outcome (ulcers without specific diagnosis, 95% CI: 28%-96%, I2 = 98.7%). Given the limited evidence from currently available studies, the association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions remains difficult to clarify. Healthcare professionals should be aware of the possible association between COVID-19 and oral mucosal lesions, and we hereby discuss our findings.

Prevalence of Lesions and Oral Mucosal Normal Variations in an Elderly Population in Costa Rica

To establish the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and normal variations in a population of older adults. This observational study was conducted from 2015 to 2016 and involved 156 participants from Los Guido (San José, Costa Rica). The participants’ sociodemographic information, risk factors, comorbidity, and clinical examination were evaluated and analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. Findings in oral mucosa were found to preferentially affect women (n=111; 71%) and individuals between the ages of 60 and 69 years (n=65; 42%), having smoking as a risk factor (n=67; 43%), and suffering from arterial hypertension (n=101; 65%). Intraoral findings were mainly presented together with variations from normal and pathology (n=71; 46%), predominantly one variation from normal (n=67; 33%) and one pathology (n=51; 43%). The most prevalent normal variations were the saburral tongue, lingual varicose veins, and cryptic tonsils. Infectious diseases (n=33; 21%), potentially malignant disorders (n=30; 19%), and physical and chemical injuries (n=18; 12%) were the most prevalent groups. The four most predominant lesions were prosthetic stomatitis, actinic cheilitis, frictional keratosis, and atrophic glossitis. The differences in pathological groups were not statistically significant (p=0.392) when comparing the frequency ratio by sex. Variations of the normal anatomy are the predominant ones, the saburral tongue being the most prevalent individually; among the pathologies, the most remarkable group was the infectious diseases, and prosthetic stomatitis was the most frequent. The information about this subject in Costa Rica is limited. So it is important to conduct more studies that contribute to the oral health of the elderly population in this area.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in denture wearers with substance abuse in Mangalore taluk population

Progressive loss of tooth caused by old age or certain systemic conditions, lead to oral handicap that often require a prosthetic appliance for restoring function and aesthetics. While these prostheses require good hygiene maintenance, lack of oral health awareness, compromised dexterity and presence of substance abuse could make the dentures harbingers of certain oral mucosal conditions. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of oral mucosal lesions among dental prosthetic wearers and its association with habits of substance abuse. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted?on 1312 subjects aged 18 years and above using?a house-to-house approach to collect information regarding their prosthetic status, duration of prosthesis, usage of tobacco and oral mucosal condition. Results: The results showed a strong co-relation between substance abuse and denture wear with ulcers and denture stomatitis showing the highest prevalence rate amongst the study population. Leukoplakia and Oral Submucosal Fibrosis was seen mostly in non-denture wearers. Summary and Conclusions: According to the results, Denture wearers had a higher tendency of having oral mucosal lesions, most commonly being Ulcers and Denture stomatitis (3.2%). With the exception of leukoplakia that occurred mostly in the non denture wearers. Substsance abuse had a direct co-relation to oral mucosal lesions. Occurrence of ulcers and denture stomatitis followed by candidiasis in smoked tobacco users, while in smokeless tobacco users ulcerative lesions and denture stomatitis followed by Acute Necrotising Denture Stomatitis were most commonly noted. Clinical significance: It is essential to carry out periodic examination of the oral mucosa in denture wearers to establish a preventive protocol to eradicate the pathology caused by the use of dentures and the harmful effects of substance abuse. Key Words: Denture wear, Oral habits, Oral health, Oral mucosal lesions, Substance abuse

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Analysis

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Analysis

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions among Tobacco Consumers: Cross-Sectional Study.

Different lesions of mucosa can arise in people with a habit of tobacco usage. An assessment of prevalence of such lesions among tobacco consumers was done through this study. A total of 1000 persons were included in this cross-sectional survey. Individuals with a habit of tobacco usage in any form were included in the study. Demographic data were recorded for each study participant. Furthermore, all the participants were examined for associated oral lesions through toluene blue staining method. Types of tobacco consumption reported were for bidi, cigarette, hookah, gutkha, zarda, pan masala, and supari. Different types of associated lesions that were observed included tobacco pouch keratosis, leukoplakia, smoker's melanosis, erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, squamous cell carcinoma, sub-mucous fibrosis, and lichen planus in descending order. The oral sites involved were buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, floor of the mouth, gingiva, palate, and tongue in descending order. Various types of oral lesions can arise due to tobacco usage in different forms. The most common change observed is pouch keratosis in chewers and leukoplakia in smokers.

The Predominance of Tobacco Propensities and Tobacco-Related Oral Lesions in Textile Mill Workers of Bhopal: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Low wages, long work hours, and stressful working conditions predominantly affect the oral and general health of industrial workers, which in turn resultin their tobacco consumption. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence of tobacco use and its associated oral lesions among textile mill workers in Bhopal, India. Oral cancer and premalignant lesions are significantly increased by smoking and chewing tobacco. The study's objective was to assess and record the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions linked to tobacco use in different age groups among Bhopal textile industry workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 583 textile mill workers. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the WHO Oral Health Assessment Form 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 29 (Released 2022; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States) was used for the statistical analysis. Variables were compared using the mean, percentage, and standard deviation. The chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare the distribution of gender, tobacco habits, and oral mucosal lesions in different age groups. Males made up 69.1% of the workforce. A clear male preference was noted (P ≤ 0.001). About 64.7% of the workers did not have any tobacco-related habits, 20.8% used smokeless tobacco, 7.9% used a smoking form of tobacco, and 6.7% used both. Older age groups, 31-45 and >46 years old, had a higher proportion of users of smokeless tobacco (P ≤ 0.001). The most commonly reported oral mucosal lesions were ulcerative conditions in 6.9%, followed by oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), keratotic lesions, and leukoplakia in 5.0%, 4.1%, and 3.6% of the study population, respectively. Leukoplakia and OSMF were prevalent in the 31-45-yearage group, while ulcerative lesions were more prevalent in the 18-30-yearage group (P ≤ 0.001). Workers at textile mills were more likely to use a smokeless form of tobacco. Older age groups had higher rates of smokeless tobacco use as compared to smoking, which was more prevalent in the younger age group. Oral mucosal lesions in older age groups frequently include OSMF and leukoplakia. The main reasons for engaging in the tobacco use habit were stress and a lack of awareness. Oral hygiene was a neglected entity among workers.

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions among Geriatric Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions among Geriatric Patients: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract 65: Oral Health Inequalities Among Tobacco Users in the Tea Plantation Workers, Nilgiri Hills, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract Purpose: Tea is an important agro-industry of India, which contributes immensely to the countries economy. Poor socio-economic conditions, ignorance due to illiteracy, over-crowded and unhygienic living conditions in the residential colonies make tea garden population vulnerable. Hence this study was contemplated with an aim to assess the oral health status, tobacco use and cancer awareness among tea plantation workers, Nilgiri Hills, Tamil Nadu, India. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to assess the prevalence of head and neck cancers among tobacco use and cancer awareness among tea plantation workers, Nilgiri Hills. Data was collected using a pretested Questionnaire, which included Demographic data, tobacco habits, its frequency and form. Oral examination for potentially malignant and cancerous lesions was done by the examiner. The data collected was analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: Results showed that among 900 study population, 57% had no formal education, 64.5% had indigenous brushing habits. Of those who had the habit of smoking, 26% smoked beedi, 10.9% smoked cigarette, 65% chewed raw tobacco, 18% chewed Hans and 28% had a combination of smoking and smokeless tobacco usage. 52% of oral mucosal and potentially malignant lesions, 6% oral cancers were observed. Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in the study population was due to tobacco usage and lack of awareness regarding the deleterious effects of the products used. Conclusion: The dangers from smoking and chewing tobacco are well documented within the literature but the public’s lack of knowledge of the risks is a concern. Health professionals are encouraged to ensure that the public is made aware of these risks, especially those within high-risk groups. Citation Format: Delfin Lovelina Francis. Oral Health Inequalities Among Tobacco Users in the Tea Plantation Workers, Nilgiri Hills, Tamilnadu, India [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 11th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Closing the Research-to-Implementation Gap; 2023 Apr 4-6. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 65.

ORAL HEALTH STATUS AND TREATMENT NEEDS OF INDORE MUNICIPAL CORPORATION EMPLOYEES

To assess the oral health status and treatment needs of Indore municipal corporation employees. A descriptive study was conducted among the employees of Indore municipal corporation. 486 employees as per representative sample by hierarchy decision during the study period were all taken into account. The study was organized for the data collection of Municipal employees during the period of July 2022 to sept. 2022. World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment Form for Adults (2013) was used for the examination of employees. descriptive and inferential statistics were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Windows, version 25 (IBM Corp, Armonk, N.Y., USA). Categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-square test and continuous variables were analyzed using One -way ANOVA. The prevalence of dental caries was 80.4%. The prevalence of periodontal disease was signicantly more (54.4%). And the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was 9.9%. Oral health status presents alarming health care seeking mainly due to various risk factors commonly predominated. The imperative need to escalate awareness through oral health campaigns, and interdisciplinary dental clinics availability for self-reliant healthcare to frontline workers of the Indore Municipal Corporation

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions among East Godavari Sample Population - A Descriptive Study

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions among East Godavari Sample Population - A Descriptive Study

Prevalence and Distribution of Oral Mucosal Lesions and Normal Variants among Nepalese Population.

Oral mucosa is encountered by various lesions and normal variants. Some are not to be worried about, whereas others may be of significance. Knowing the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in a particular region helps better evaluate, diagnose, and, thus, manage these lesions. To assess the prevalence and distribution of oral mucosal lesions and normal variants among various age groups, genders, and sites of the orofacial region. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, KIST Medical College and Teaching Hospital from January 2021 to March 2021. Three different proformas were designed according to age, gender, and location of lesions for entry as per the WHO's guide. The obtained data were entered into a Microsoft Excel sheet for frequency analysis by SPSS, and the results were tabulated. Among the records of 16572 (9703 (58.55%) males and 6869 (41.44%) females) OPD patients, 3495 (21.08%) (1934 (55.33%) males and 1561 (44.66%) females) had OMLs and 2314 (13.96%) (1626 (70.26%) males and 688 (29.73%) females) had normal mucosal variants. The most commonly seen OML categories were tobacco-associated lesions, i.e., 2056 (34.07%), tongue lesions, i.e., 1598 (26.48%), oral potentially malignant disorders, i.e., 815 (13.50%), ulcers i.e., 728 (12.06%), and infectious lesions, i.e., 256 (4.24%). The Nepalese population has a wide range of oral mucosal lesions and normal variants, and this study has attempted to have baseline data for the same. The most common OML was smoker's melanosis.