Oral Cavity Lesions in Patients Attending the Dermatology Department: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study from Kachchh Gujarat

Background: The oral mucosa reflects systemic and dermatological health. OPD-based epidemiological data from the Kachchh region of Gujarat are lacking. This study aimed to determine the frequency and clinico-epidemiological profile of oral cavity lesions in patients attending the DVL OPD. Material and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the DVL Department, G.K. General Hospital and GAIMS, Bhuj, Kachchh, Gujarat, India (December 2016 – May 2018). Consecutive patients with oral lesions enrolled after informed consent and IEC approval (Ref: GAIMS/IEC/APPROVAL/31/Res.Proj/2016, dated 08 December 2016). Clinical history, examination, photographs, and targeted investigations performed as clinically indicated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and expressed as frequencies and percentages (Microsoft Excel 2016). Results: Of 21,440 patients screened, 400 (1.87%) had oral lesions. Age peak: 21–40 years (60.75%); males 51.25%; tobacco users 25.5%. Isolated oral lesions: 261 (65.25%); combined oral and cutaneous disease: 139 (34.75%). Aphthous stomatitis (24.52%), candidiasis (13.03%), and herpes labialis (9.58%) were the most common isolated lesions. Lichen planus led mucocutaneous disease (21.58%); minor aphthae (90.6%) and reticular lichen planus (48.9%) were the commonest morphological variants. Infective aetiology predominated (29%); pre-malignant/malignant lesions: 3.00%. KOH mount was positive for Candida in 43/301 (14.3%) patients tested. Conclusion: Oral lesion prevalence was 1.87%. Aphthous stomatitis dominated; lichen planus led mucocutaneous disease. Systematic oral examination enables early diagnosis of pre-malignant, systemic, and mucocutaneous conditions and should be standard practice.