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Preliminary results of screening for pathological lesions in oral mucosa and incidence of oral cancer risk factors in adult population

INTRODUCTION
Oral cancer is a significant problem among global population. In Poland a few thousands of new incidents are reported annually. Prophylaxis and early detection help decreasing the incidence rate. Screening programmes are a tool that enable to achieve that goal.


OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of selected risk factors and pathological lesions of oral mucosa in adult population.


MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study group consisted of 253 patients. After undertaking a medical history in a form of a questionnaire, a conventional intraoral soft tissue examination was performed. This was followed by use of cool white light (Microlux DL Addent).


RESULTS
Among patients following risk factors were frequently found: tobacco smoking - 20.9% patients, alcohol consumption - 2/3 of patients drink occasionally, 8.7% drink on regular basis. Over 80% patients were sexually active. 3 patients suffered from oral cancer, 21 patients gave a history of cancer in other locations, 54.2% reported a family history of cancer. Screened patients declare quite healthy diet, although level of grilled and fried meat consumption is fairly high. 37.8% patients were alarmed by the condition of the oral mucosa but only half of them reported it to their dentist. Most of the lesions were found on the buccal mucosa (88 patients, 34.8%), retromandibular triangle and palate and most of lesions were white lesions, categorized as traumatic.


CONCLUSIONS
This preliminary study showed, that the incidence of oral cancer risk factors is high in this population. The incidence of pathological lesions of oral mucosa was also high. The study showed low awareness of oral cancer prevention, risk factors and symptoms.