Prevalence of Oral Precancerous Lesions in Alcoholic Individuals

Abstract

Drug users show a higher prevalence of oral precancerous lesions than the general population. This study assessed the prevalence of oral precancerous lesions in a group of alcoholic patients. 277 males (mean age 38.4 years) underwent oral examination. In the sample, 17 individuals (6.1%) were exclusive alcohol users, 179 (64.6%) used alcohol and tobacco, and 81 (29.2%) consumed alcohol and at least one illicit drug. The majority consumed distilled alcoholic beverages. 65 patients (23.4%) exhibited oral alcohol-induced lesions. Cases of actinic cheilitis (1.8%), oral leukoplakia (1.08%), erythroplakia (0.72%) and lichen planus (0.36%) were diagnosed. In addition, 65 (23.4%) individuals manifested alcohol-related alterations in the oral mucosa, but without potential malignization. According to the study, prevalence of oral precancerous lesions associated with alcoholism is low. Meanwhile, during treatment of these patients, dentists should be alert to the fact that daily alcohol consumption is a risk factor for oral cancer.