Publication:

Clinical study of oral mucosal lesions in patients attending dermatology outpatient department in a tertiary care centre

Background Oral mucosa reflects the general health of an individual. In certain systemic diseases oral cavity may be affected first or it could the only clue to diagnosis. Hence skin examination is never complete without the examination of mucosae. Aims and objectives were to find out the frequency and diversity of oral mucosal lesions in patients attending Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy (DVL) outpatient department (OPD).

Methods This was a hospital based observational study. All patients with oral mucosal lesions fulfilling the inclusion &exclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Detailed history, physical examination and clinical photographs were recorded for all the patients.

Results The prevalence oral mucosal lesions among dermatological patients is 1.04% with a female predilection and the mean age was 38.44±17.30. Majority of the patients belonged to the age group of 31-60 years. Established risk factors for developing oral lesions like tobacco and beetle nut use was found in only 24% and 16% of the patients respectively. Twenty% (21%) of the patients were diabetic and the commonest oral lesions in them was oral candidiasis. Eighteen% (18%) of the patients presented with only oral complaints, while 82% of patients came with skin complaints and their oral lesions were incidental findings. Out of 82 patients with dermatological diseases specific mucocutaneous diseases were seen in 44% of patients. Most common dermatological diseases seen were vitiligo, lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris.

Conclusions Knowing the prevalence of oral lesions as a part of mucocutaneous disorders would help sensitise other specialities the need to examine oral cavity in order to attain appropriate and early diagnosis.