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Available data show that various chemicals cause damage to genetic material, therefore the early detection of genetic damage is needed to prevent or reduce exposure to harmful agents of the genetic material, as well as to reduce the risk of certain diseases. The micronucleus assay and comet assay are among the methods frequently used when assessing the damage of the genetic material. It is also shown that the combination of these methods increases the capacity to detect the effects on the genetic material. The purpose of this study was to obtain an overview of the damage to genetic material in the oral mucosa cells of patients with various otorhinolaryngological (ORL) diseases, comparing the data with those of the control group individuals. The study included 40 patients of the ORL ward at Peja Regional Hospital and 40 randomly selected control individuals. The study was approved by the HUCSK (Hospital and University Clinical Service of Kosovo) Ethics Committee. All individuals / patients received the study information and, in case of acceptance of participation, expressed their consent to the by signing the relevant form. The results of this study show differences (increases) in the level of DNA damage in the buccal cells of patients with different types of otorhinolaryngological diseases (compared with randomized control sample of individuals), as well as an increase in the frequency of micronuclei in patients compared to the frequency observed in control group. Despite the limited number of individuals included, and the issues related to the application of the comet method in buccal cells, the data from this research give a clear indication of the need for further research and more additional data from clinical aspects in order to obtain a clearer overview of the causes and mechanisms of genetic material damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]