The evaluation of oral precancerous lesions in factory workers of Kerman city in 1998

Abstract: Leukoplakia, erythroplakia and palatal changes due to reversed smoking (R.S) are considered as precancerous lesions. Oral lichen planus has been considered as a precancerous condition. To evaluate precaucerous lesions in factory workers of Kerman city, A cross sectional study was designed in which 1167 workers (1070 Men, 97 Women, Mean age=31/8) were participated. Dental mirrors, explorers and flashlight were used for oral examinations and all the workers were examined by one person. Overall 115 persons 9.9% had red and white lesions and among them 43 cases (3.7%) of precancerous lesion and 6 cases (0.5%) of lichen planus were diagnosed. All biopsy specimen showed nondysplastic leukoplakia. Direct relationship was observed between cigarette smoking habits and loukoplakia (P<0.001). There was also a reverse relationship between educational level and leukoplakia (P<0.001). Leukoplakia and lichen planus were most prevalenced in the age group of 20-40 years (P<0.001). Also most of the lesions were detected in buccal mucosa and vestibule. Erythroplakia and R.S were not observed at all. The study showed a high rate of precancerous lesions among the workers (3.7%). Further epidemiological studies of oral precancerous lesions and the inclusion of Intraoral examinations in health care programs are recommended. Keywords: Oral precancerous lesions, Tobacco products, Leukoplakia, Erythroplaki