Publication:

A study on the clinical profile of ulcers and membranous lesions of oral cavity and oropharynx

Background An ulcer is a discontinuity of an epithelial surface. Many a times, patients with oral ulcers are treated sympathetically without even coming to a definitive conclusion of their problem. Oral ulcers are common diseases for which patient seeks medical advice. Till date the clinical profile to diagnose the oral ulcers, membranous lesions of oral cavity and oropharynx is not well established. Hence, the study has been taken up to investigate the aetiopathology of ulcers of oral cavity and oropharynx.

Methods 60 cases of ulcers of oral cavity and oropharynx were included in the study. The aetiopathology of ulcers of oral cavity and oropharynx were investigated on the basis of age, sex, duration, etiological factors, symptom Index, socioeconomic status and anatomical distribution. Values are expressed as percentages.

Results The highest incidence was found to be in low socioeconomic group, where there is lack of education, improper food habits, cultivation of bad habits in early childhood and negligence of the disease are the predisposing factors in most of the malignancies. The highest incidence was found in low socioeconomic status. The lesions studied in this study were 50% of non-specific ulcers (Short term ( 3 wks) 10-33%), 15% of Aphthous ulcers, 8.3% of Traumatic Ulcers, 6.5% of Malignant ulcers, 6.5% of Dental ulcers, 3.2% of HIV infection & AIDS, 3.2% of ulcer due to T.B. and 6.5% of ulcers. The majority of the cases were between the age 21-30 yrs constituting 35% followed by 11-12 years constituting 26.6%.d 62% of the short term ulcers, Female 38%.

Conclusions Low socioeconomic status, lack of education, bad oral hygiene, bad habits cultivated in early childhood is predisposing factors. Hence early diagnosis and prompt treatment is advised in all cases of ulcers.