Oral Cavity Lesions in Patients Attending the Dermatology Department: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study from Kachchh Gujarat

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: The oral mucosa reflects systemic and dermatological health. OPD-based epidemiological data from the Kachchh region of Gujarat are lacking.

Aims and Objectives: To determine the frequency and clinico-epidemiological profile of oral cavity lesions in patients attending the DVL OPD.

Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study.

Setting: DVL Department, G.K. General Hospital and GAIMS, Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat, India (December 2016 – May 2018).

Materials and Methods: Consecutive patients with oral lesions enrolled after informed consent and IEC approval (Ref: GAIMS/IEC/APPROVAL/31/Res.Proj/2016, dated 08 December 2016). Clinical history, examination, photographs, and targeted investigations performed as clinically indicated.

Statistics: Descriptive statistics; data expressed as frequencies and percentages (Microsoft Excel 2016).

Results: Of 21,440 patients screened, 400 (1.86%) had oral lesions. Age peak: 21–40 years (60.75%); males 51.25%; tobacco users 25.5%. Isolated oral lesions: 261 (65.25%); combined oral and cutaneous disease: 139 (34.75%). Aphthous stomatitis (24.52%), candidiasis (13.03%), and herpes labialis (9.58%) were the most common isolated lesions. Lichen planus led mucocutaneous disease (21.58%). Infective aetiology predominated (29%); pre-malignant/malignant lesions: 3.25%. KOH mount was positive for Candida in 43/301 (14.3%) patients tested.

Conclusions: Oral lesion prevalence was 1.86%. Aphthous stomatitis dominated; lichen planus led mucocutaneous disease. Systematic oral examination enables early diagnosis of pre-malignant, systemic, and mucocutaneous conditions and should be standard practice.