PREVALENCE OF ORAL MUCOSAL LESIONS IN TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USERS: A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS USING VELSCOPE

Background: Tobacco and alcohol consumption are major risk factors for oral mucosal lesions (OMLs), which may precede malignant transformation. Early detection using advanced diagnostic tools like VELscope can improve outcomes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of OMLs in tobacco and alcohol users using VELscope. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 450 patients with a history of tobacco and/or alcohol use. VELscope examination was performed to detect OMLs, and findings were correlated with habit duration and intensity. Results: The prevalence of OMLs was 68% in tobacco users, 54% in alcohol users, and 78% in combined users. Leukoplakia (42%) and erythroplakia (28%) were the most common lesions. VELscope demonstrated high sensitivity (92%) in detecting early dysplastic changes. Conclusion: Tobacco and alcohol significantly increase the risk of OMLs, with combined use showing the highest prevalence. VELscope is an effective adjunctive tool for early detection.