Oral cancer in 57,518 industrial workers of Gujarat, India.A prevalence and followup study

Abstract

In Gujarat, India, 57,518 industrial workers over 35 years old were examined for oral lesions. At a two-year interval, 43,654 workers were re-examined. Biopsies were taken from 13,223 lesions. In the initial examination, 29 oral cancers were diagnosed, representing a prevalence rate of 50/100,000. After two years, 22 new oral cancers were diagnosed, representing an incidence rate of 25/100,000 per year. Over 90% were squamous carcinomas, with the majority of lesions occurring in the oropharynx and tongue. All patients who developed squamous carcinomas had tobacco habits, while 85% of the entire study population had oral habits in some form. Their most common habits were smoking tobacco alone or in combination with chewing "pan"/"supari." Of the carcinomas that developed during a two-year interval, 62% appeared in previously normal appearing mucosa. Leukoplakia was the only oral lesion that proved to be precancerous, with a transformation rate of 0.13% in a two-year interval.

Cancer of the buccal mucosa: a tale of two continents

“…It extends from the line of contact of the opposing lips anteriorly to the pterygomandibular raphe posteriorly and attaches to the mucosa of the alveolar ridges superiorly and inferiorly. Although carcinoma of the buccal mucosa (ICD10; C06) is one of the most common forms of oral cancer in India and among the Indian population in Southeast Asia 14 , it is uncommon in North America accounting for only 10% of all carcinomas of the oral cavity 6 . Tobacco and alcohol use are considered to be the major risk factors for buccal carcinoma in North America 4 whereas in the Asian Indian population the high incidence is thought to result from the common habit of chewing tobacco and betel nut 5 .…”

Lower use of dental services among long term cigarette smokers

“…10 Thus, yearly examinations by a dentist, including a simple inspection and palpation of the oral cavity, could identify disease at an earlier, more treatable stage. While all people should visit a dentist yearly, patients at higher risk of oral cancer should in particular be encouraged to see a dentist annually.…”

Prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions among Tobacco Chewers in North Indian Population

“…Among the several methods available for diagnosing oral mucosal lesions, the histopathological examination of a biopsy of tissue of the suspected lesion is regarded as the most suitable method. [4] Various studies to assess the distribution of oral mucosal lesions are helpful and valuable in estimating the prevalence of a disease in the population. This help Section: Dentistry in identifying high risk sub-population and guidance in carrying out preventive and curative services.…”