PREVALENCE AND CLINICAL PRESENTATION OF ORAL POTENTIALLY MALIGNANT DISORDERS (OPMDS) IN PATIENTS REFERRED FOR SURGICAL BIOPSY

Abstract

Background: Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) represent a spectrum of lesions with an increased risk of progressing to oral cancer. Early identification and appropriate clinical management are critical for improving prognosis. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of OPMDs in patients referred for surgical biopsy.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on patients referred to the oral surgery department for biopsy of suspicious oral lesions over a defined period. Demographic data, risk factors (such as tobacco and alcohol use), lesion characteristics (site, size, clinical appearance), and histopathological outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

Results: Among the total biopsied cases (n = 250), OPMDs accounted for 136 cases (54.4%). The most frequently diagnosed OPMD was oral leukoplakia (42.6%), followed by oral lichen planus (23.5%), oral submucous fibrosis (18.4%), and erythroplakia (15.5%). The buccal mucosa was the most common site of presentation (48.5%), followed by the tongue (22.1%) and floor of the mouth (14.7%). A male predominance was observed (63.2%), with the majority of patients in the 41–60-year age group (52.9%). Histopathological analysis revealed epithelial dysplasia in 74 OPMD cases (54.4%), with 38 cases (51.4%) showing mild, 24 cases (32.4%) moderate, and 12 cases (16.2%) severe dysplasia. A significant correlation was observed between tobacco use and the presence of dysplasia (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: OPMDs are prevalent among patients referred for surgical biopsy, particularly in individuals with known risk factors such as tobacco use. Oral leukoplakia remains the most common OPMD, with a substantial proportion showing dysplastic changes. These findings underscore the need for early detection, risk factor modification, and routine oral screening to prevent malignant transformation.