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Oral leukoplakia in a S outh A frican sample: a clinicopathological study
Author(s) -
Chandran R,
Meer S,
Feller L
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
oral diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.953
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1601-0825
pISSN - 1354-523X
DOI - 10.1111/odi.12040
Subject(s) - leukoplakia , medicine , hyperkeratosis , oral leukoplakia , dermatology , dysplasia , population , cancer , epidemiology , pathology , environmental health
Objective This study analysed differences in clinicopathological features of oral leukoplakia in different racial groups in the greater J ohannesburg area of S outh A frica, with emphasis on the black population. Material and Methods The retrospective review included cases diagnosed clinically as oral leukoplakia and histologically as hyperkeratosis without dysplasia, hyperkeratosis with mild, moderate or severe dysplasia, and carcinoma in situ from 1990 to 2010. Age, gender, ethnicity, clinical appearance, site of lesion and tobacco smoking habit were recorded. Results Fourteen per cent of oral leukoplakia occurred in black S outh A fricans compared with 80% in white S outh A fricans. In contrast to whites, blacks were diagnosed with oral leukoplakia at a younger age; there were more men affected than women; and the proportion of idiopathic leukoplakia was greater. There were significantly more blacks (23%) than whites (13%) with non‐homogenous leukoplakia and significantly more whites (51%) than blacks (23%) with dysplastic oral leukoplakia. Conclusion This study suggests that oral leukoplakia, especially non‐homogenous and idiopathic forms affects S outh A frican blacks less frequently than white S outh A fricans; and in the former, it occurs more in men and at a younger age. These findings may provide some guidance in establishing screening policies for oral cancer, particularly suited for blacks.