Prevalence of oral leukoplakia in 1000 Berliners.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral leukoplakia and other oral white lesions in an urban population of non-referred patients to a department of oral surgery in the city of Berlin.

DESIGN

A total of 1000 patients over the age of 16 were evaluated for oral leukoplakia and other oral white lesions. Age, sex, and smoking as well as alcohol habits were recorded.

RESULTS

Of 506 men (50.6%) and 494 women (49.4%), 0.9% showed oral leukoplakia. Men were more frequently affected (1.6%) than women (0.2%). Patients of older age groups were more frequently affected than younger patients. Other white oral lesions were recorded such as leukoedema (8.3%), smoker's palate (0.1%), frictional white lesions (2.6%) and lichen planus (0.6%) with equal distribution between men and women.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of oral leukoplakia in this limited group of urban patients was low, however comparable to that of other neighbouring west European countries. Association with tobacco and alcohol consumption was demonstrated as in most other studies.