Clinicopathological Study of Premalignant Lesions of Oral Cavity

Background: Oral cancer is one of the leading Cancer today. Significant number of these cases would present initially with a precursor lesions that are further classified as precancerous lesions. Early detection of disease course will reduce the morbidity and mortality. Aim of study is to evaluate clinical presentation and various histopathological types of premalignant lesions. Methods: This is descriptive, prospective study of 2 year duration. The detail clinical presentation, relevant investigation and histopathological study on biopsy tissue was done and data is analysed. Results: During study period, 92 cases having premalignant oral lesions were observed. Among these, the most common age group affected was between 51-60 years. Male predominance was noted. Male to Female ratio was 4: 1. Buccal mucosa was affected in 54.5 % of cases, Tongue in 16.86 % cases, Retromolar trigone in 14.6 % cases. Gingiva and alveolus in 3.63 % of cases each. Common etiological factor observed was tobacco chewing. On Histopathological study, Leucoplakia is seen in 59.78 % of cases, Oral submucosal fibrosis in 19.56 %, Erythroplakia in 10.56 %, Oral lichen planus in 5.43 % and Actinic cheilitis in 4.34 %. Conclusion: In This study, Various premalignant lesions were observed. Clinical and histopathological evaluation was done. Oral Leucoplakia was the most common lesion in the present study. Buccal mucosa was the most common site in oral cavity. Tobacco chewing habit was the most common risk factor observed. Early detection of Premalignant lesion is of utmost importance to prevent further morbidity as these lesions further progress to Oral Cancer.