European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

This study is aimed at understanding prevalence of oral lesions among smokeless tobacco users in Pune, Maharashtra.
MATERIALS & METHODS:
This observational study was carried out in 100 patients giving history of current smokeless tobacco use who visited OPD of Otorhinolaryngology in a tertiary hospital in Pune, Maharashtra between June 2021 and October 2022 after obtaining written informed consent and using a preformed questionnaire.
RESULTS:
Smokeless tobacco use is more common among males. A definite male preponderance is observed in all age groups with maximum number of study participants belonging to the age group of 51-60 years. Prevalence of malignant lesions is more than oral potentially malignant lesions (OPML) with prevalence of malignant lesions being 64%. Tongue and buccal mucosa are the commonest sites affected. Leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) are the most common OPML in our study. Smokeless tobacco in the form of Gutka(alone) or in combination with tambaku are associated with development of oral submucous fibrosis. Longer duration of smokeless tobacco use is associated with the development of malignant lesions whereas shorter duration of smokeless tobacco use is associated with development of OPML. A definite correlation could be established between site of smokeless tobacco abuse and site of development of lesion.