Objectives: This cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of potentially malignant lesions and oral cancer among smokers.
Methods: The current observational cross-sectional study was conducted in the Clinics of Oral Medicine and Periodontology department and the Diagnostic center, Faculty of Dentistry - Cairo University in Cairo- Egypt. Smokers from all age groups and both genders who agreed to sign the informed consent were included in the study. Detailed history of tobacco consumption, different forms of tobacco use, drugs, alcohol consumption and quitting trials were recorded and followed by clinical examination and histopathological assessment of suspicious lesions.
Results: Among the 1664 enrolled participants, 3.54% had leukoplakia, 2.88% had oral lichen planus, 1.5% had oral squamous cell carcinoma and 0.12% had verrucous carcinoma.
Conclusion: leukoplakia was the most frequently encountered lesion followed by oral lichen planus. Dentists must be aware of the risk of smoking on oral mucosa and the early signs of developing premalignant or malignant lesions.