Prevalence and risk factors of potentially malignant disorders of the mucosa in the general population: Mucosa lesions a general health problem?

Oral cancer mostly develops from oral mucosa regions with morphological alterations transforming malignant. These visible precancerous mucosa lesions are named potentially malignant disorders (PMD). We aimed to analyze the prevalence of PMD and its risk factors for PMD in a population-based sample in Northern Germany. Data of 6078 individuals from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) was used. PMD were photographically documented and periodontal health was assessed in a standardized procedure. PMD were observed in 54 individuals (0.9%). The most prevalent PMD was homogenous leukoplakia (n = 37) followed by Lichen ruber (n = 9). Smoking (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.70; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-5.87), male sex (OR 3.32; 95%-CI: 1.77-6.21), type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 2.07; 95%-CI: 1.08-3.98) and body mass index (OR 1.09; CI 1.04-1.14) were significantly associated with PMD, with the corresponding area under the curve (AUC) being 0.696 (CI: 0.655; 0.737). Our results suggest a clinically relevant prevalence of PMD in the population. We identified male sex, type 2 diabetes mellitus, current smoking, and obesity as risk factors. We recommend photographic documentation and intensified training of medical and dental staff to detect and monitor PMD.