Oral Mucosal Lesions in Kelantanese subpopulation: A One-Year Data Review

Purpose – Mucosal lesions of the oral cavity are common findings at dental clinic worldwide. Regardless of the severity and diagnosis, oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) affect an individual’s general health, as the oral cavity serves as the main route for nutrients intake that is crucial for human survival. Data on the prevalence and distribution of OMLs is imperative to aid in the diagnosis and management of OMLs. The aim of the present study was to determine the distribution of OMLs amongst patients attending dental clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (Hospital USM). Design and methodology - A cross-sectional study using secondary data was conducted. Dental records of patients receiving oral examination and treatment in dental clinic from January to December 2014 were obtained. Data were analysed using Chi-square test. Throughout 2014, 43 records of patients presented with OMLs were obtained. Findings - The most common lesion was ulcerative lesions (37.3%), followed by oral lichen planus (27.4%). Patients with exophytic lesions contributed 15.7%, while candida-related lesion and keratotic lesion contributed 11.8% and 7.8% respectively. Except for keratotic lesion, which was significantly associated with smoking, none other OMLs were associated with any of the risk habits (smoking, betel quid chewing or alcohol consumption). Originality/Value - Data from this study serve as a basis for OMLs epidemiology studies on larger scale that will further aid in the detection, diagnosis and better management of the oral lesions. Findings from this study further emphasize the importance of quit-smoking program to reduce the risk of developing oral keratotic lesion, among other diseases that have been associated with smoking habit.