Detecting oral cancer in edentulous patients during denture fabrication by Prosthodontists

Detection of potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and oral cancer among completely edentulous patients by Prosthodontists is of interest. Hence, a thorough soft tissue examination was conducted at five key stages of denture fabrication on 500 edentulous patients. Information on tobacco and alcohol consumption was collected and biopsies were performed. Of the 500 participants, 124 (24.8%) presented with mucosal lesions, and 68 (13.6%) were confirmed as PMDs through histological analysis. There was a significant correlation between lesion occurrence and the use of tobacco (p < 0.001) and alcohol (p = 0.02). Most lesions were identified during the final impression and try-in appointments. Thus, prosthodontists hold a crucial position in the early detection of oral cancer.