Advances in Dental Research, Vol 7, 32-41, Copyright © 1993 by International & American Associations for Dental Research
Toward assessing trends in oral mucosal lesions: lessons learned from oral cancer
D. V. Kleinman, P. A. Swango, J. J. Pindborg and P. Gupta
National Institute of Dental Research, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Trend data on oral mucosal lesions are limited. The literature is comprised
of a large number of studies documenting the prevalence of various lesions
in different populations. Trend data on cancers of the oral cavity and
pharynx are the exception. An overview of the international epidemiologic
studies of these cancers is provided. General conclusions across studies
and countries for trend data of these cancers cannot easily be drawn, since
variations exist in data collection methods, risk factors, and other
characteristics of the study populations. This paper also reviewed the
available prevalence data for oral mucosal lesions in general as well as
data on leukoplakia, recurrent herpes labialis, and recurrent aphthous
ulcers. A few studies of the incidence of leukoplakia are described. In
order to explore the potential for future trend data on oral mucosal
lesions, this paper discusses issues related to the feasibility and
structure of monitoring these lesions. Criteria that could be used to
identify which conditions should be monitored in the future were discussed,
such as, those that present a public health problem, those that are
sentinel events for serious conditions, and infectious lesions. Once
lesions are identified, it is clear that international consensus for
diagnostic criteria of these lesions is needed in order to permit
comparisons to be made among studies. Finally, strategies for monitoring
these conditions and factors that may affect future trends are reviewed.
