Prevalence of oral potentially malignant disorders and oral malignant lesions: A population-based study in a municipal town of southern Kerala

Oral cancer burden poses a major challenge in India. Oral cancer in the majority of instances arises from preexisting oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs). Early detection of OPMD and elimination of primary risk factors such as smokeless and smoking tobacco help in reduction of oral cancer. A study was conducted to find the prevalence and associated risk factors of OPMDs and oral malignant lesions (OMLs) in Punalur township of South Kerala. A total of 2368 patients were screened, out of which 156 were identified with OPMD and 5 with OML. A male predominance was noted for both OPMD and OML. Strong association with smokeless tobacco and smoking tobacco habits was seen with patients having OPMD and OML.