An observational study of benign oral lesions in central India

Background: The oral mucosa serves as a protective barrier against trauma, pathogens and carcinogenic agents. It can be affected by a wide variety of lesions and conditions, some of which are harmless while others may have serious complications. The appearance of benign oral soft tissue masses can occasionally resemble malignant tumors. Methods: Present study is an observational and cross sectional study under taken in the Department of ENT in Shri Vasant Rao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal. All cases of benign oral lesions were included in the study and following cases were excluded: malignant oral lesions, immunocompromised state and benign Oral lesions due to systemic diseases. Results: Present study included 235 lesions of oral cavity which were clinically or histo-pathologically found to be benign in nature. Benign oral lesions were more commonly found in males with (70.2%) than females (29.8%), and M:F ratio was 2.3:1. most common benign oral lesions were found to be Oral Sub Mucus Fibrosis (26.8%) followed by Apthous ulcers (20.4%), Leukoplakia (18.3%) and Mucocele (17.1%). Least common benign oral lesions were found to be Minor Salivary Gland Tumor (MSGT) (1.7%) followed by Squamous Papilloma (2.1%), Ranula (2.1%) and Hemangioma (2.1). There was a male predominance in oral sub mucus fibrosis with M:F ratio of 9.5:1 followed by Leukoplakia with M:F ratio of 4.4:1. OSMF was found most commonly in 21-30 years age group with (57.1%). Followed by 11-20 years with (20.6%). No cases were found in ≤10 years, 51-60 and >60 years age group. Conclusions: Most of the benign oral lesions have a predilection to transform into malignant lesions therefore imperative to diagnose the pre malignant lesions of oral cavity in an early stage where appropriate treatment can be given.