Prevalence and Risk Factors for Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders in Indian Population

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to assess risk factors and prevalence of potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) among Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1280 Indian population of both genders were enrolled. Habits such as smoking bidi, cigarette, consumption of tobacco such as in the form of zarda, chaini khaini, pan masala, arecanut, and alcohol were recorded. Risk factors and prevalence rate of disorders were recorded. RESULTS: There were 750 (58.6%) males and 530 (41.4%) females. Speckled leukoplakia was seen among 470 (36.7%), oral lichen planus (OLP) in 246 (19.2%), oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) in 274 (21.4%), erythroplakia in 120 (9.3%), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in 107 (8.3%) participants. Maximum cases of speckled leukoplakia (162) was seen in the age group of 31–40 years, OLP (99) in 41–50 years, OSMF (95) in 31–40 years, erythroplakia (48) in 21–30 years, OSCC (44) in 41–50 years. CONCLUSION: Risks factors associated with PMDs were found to be tobacco and arecanut. There was higher prevalence of leukoplakia. Age group of 31–40 years had higher cases and most common site was buccal mucosa and vestibule.