Prevalence of oral cancer and oral epithelial dysplasia among North Indian population: A retrospective institutional study

BACKGROUND: Despite our sincere and serious efforts, oral cancer (particularly oral squamous cell carcinoma [OSCC]) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Indian population. Oral precancerous lesions show quite high malignant transformation rate. Epidemiological data of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and OSCC could help in early diagnosis and thus may improve the prognosis. The current study aims to retrospectively analyze the epidemiological profile of patients with different grades of OED and OSCCs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study is a retrospective analysis of OED and OSCC reported in 5 years in our institution from 2014 to 2018. Data for the analysis were attained from the case sheets from the patients diagnosed with OED and OSCC. RESULTS: The mean prevalence of OED and OSCC was 5.71% and 9.85%, respectively. Among the dysplastic lesions, severe dysplasia was more common, while well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was more common among the carcinomatous lesions. The peak age prevalence of both the lesions was third to fifth decade. Males were more frequently affected than females, with buccal mucosa being the most common site. CONCLUSION: The data attained from this study highlight the need for community-based screening and awareness programs for general population and thus obtain a healthier society.