Prevalence Of Oral Cancer OPMDS In Patients Visiting A Tertiary Care Centre  In West Bengal – A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND: Oral Cancer is the 6th most common cancer in the world. Most of these oral cancers develop from pre-existing Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), previously known as pre-malignant lesions and conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence & clinico-epidemiological parameters in patients with Oral Cancer and OPMDs visiting a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a hospital based cross sectional study. The patients attending the outpatient department of this tertiary care hospital were selected after thorough clinical screening with a view to detect the presence OPMDs and OSCC. After obtaining written informed consent, all the details including habit history were recorded in a specially prepared clinical record sheet through active interrogation and proper clinical examination. This data were tabulated in the excel sheet to facilitate further statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fourth and fifth decades are the most prevalent age groups for development of Oral Cancer & OPMDs when considered together. OSMF was more prevalent in relatively younger age group of 20 to 29 years, with an increasing prevalence among women. All three forms of oral habits i.e. tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol drinking are prevalent among males; whereas females have prevalent habit of smokeless tobacco. Cheek and tongue were the prevalent sites for development of lesions. CONCLUSION: The study shows the association between OPMDs & oral cancer with various epidemiological and habit parameters along with relative prevalence; which may help the policy makers to identify the target population and frame appropriate preventive policies.