Oral mucosal lesions and risk habits among men in an Italian study population

Abstract

A randomly selected study population of 118 male subjects (> or = 40 years) living on the Mediterranean island of Pantelleria (southwest of Sicily, Italy) was examined for the presence of oral mucosal lesions, with particular emphasis on the early diagnosis of oral precancerous and cancerous lesions. The study population was interviewed for socioeconomic and behavioural information, and clinically examined using WHO criteria. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions observed, and data obtained about oral hygiene, tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking and exposure to actinic radiation, were analysed. Alcohol drinking was the most common habit in the study population (73%), followed by tobacco smoking (58.5%, of whom 96% were cigarette smokers). Only 3% showed good oral hygiene and 25% were edentate. Oral lesions were observed in 81.3% of the study group, mainly coated tongue (51.4%), leukoplakia (13.8%), traumatic oral lesions (traumatic ulcers and frictional white lesions) in 9.2%, actinic cheilitis (4.6%), and squamous cell carcinoma in one case (0.9%). Statistically significant associations were found between the prevalence of coated tongue and tobacco smoking (P<0.0001), and between the prevalence of actinic cheilitis and tobacco smoking/alcohol drinking (P<0.05). Analysis of clinical and anamnestic data underlined the effective presence, in the population examined, of the behavioural risk factors for oral precancerous and cancerous lesions, and the lack of cultural motivation towards primary prevention activities, such as the elimination of risk habits.

Opportunistic screening for oral cancer and precancer in general dental practice: results of a demonstration study

“…14,15,22,24,25, Although overt cancers were recorded, the most common relevant lesion was 'leukoplakia' and therefore most of these studies may be regarded as demonstrating the prevalence of this entity. However leukoplakia is poorly defined and, similar to the current study, most can be regarded as recording mainly the prevalence of persistent white or keratotic lesions.…”

“…However this included pigmentation (24.6%) and 'linea alba' (10.7%). In another study of a random sample of Sicilian men mucosal lesions were found in 81% of the group, 24 but this included over 50% with 'coated tongue' . Nevertheless the prevalence of leukoplakia in this group was 13.8%, which was ascribed to the high numbers who used alcohol and tobacco.…”

“…The setting of these studies varies, but overall, most show a prevalence of between 1 and 6%, which is similar to that found in this study and our other UK studies. 14,15 Most studies are of specific age groups, but those which show a high prevalence have usually been conducted in high risk groups and have been carried out with some element of targeting, either in countries where the prevalence of oral cancer and precancer is high, 28,30,31,33,40 in high-risk populations such as heavy smokers and drinkers or betel quid users, 24,36,42,47 as part of multiphasic screening such as those attending lung cancer clinics 46 or in convenience populations like the institutionalised elderly, forces personnel and attenders of hospital outpatients clinics or medical practices. 14,15,32,39 An informative UK study was that carried out by Pearson et al 47 among the Bangladeshi population of East London.…”

Pan masala habits and risk of oral precancer: A cross-sectional survey in 0.45 million people of North India

“…28 In Sri Lanka, the prevalence of oral leukoplakia has been reported as 26.2 per 1000, respectively 29 and in Italy, 16 (13.6%) among 118 randomly selected male population. 30 A Swedish study indicated 0.1% of 15-24 year old persons had idiopathic leukoplakia and 0.8% had tobacco-associated leukoplakia. 31 Prevalence of leukoplakia and mucosal disease in regular smokeless tobacco users ranged from 8 to 43%.…”

Oral mucosa alterations in a socioeconomically deprived region: prevalence and associated factors

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The Vale do Jequitinhonha is a region largely known for its low social indicators and is currently one of the areas of greatest inequality and social exclusion in Brazil. 15 The microregion of Diamantina is located in this region and is known as the gateway to the Vale do Jequitinhonha.…”