Histopathological study of Pre-malignant and malignant lesions of oral cavity at tertiary care center

Introduction: Oral health is important for quantity of life. Oral cancer is major health problem in developing country. Oral cavity is most common site for both Pre-malignant and Malignant lesions. Aim: To study histopathology of pre-malignant and malignant lesions of oral cavity with reference to age, sex and site distribution. Material and methods: Total 140 cases of oral cavity lesions were studied from January 2019 to December 2019. Received biopsy after adequate fixation in 10% buffered formalin, were routinely processed and embedded in paraffin wax. Multiple sections are obtained and stained with Hematoxylin and eosin. All specimens are studied with perspective of age, sex, site and final histopathological diagnosis. Result: Total 140 cases were studied. 61 cases were malignant, 48 cases were pre-malignant and 31 cases were others. Peak incidence of tumors of both pre-malignant and malignant lesions were seen in the age group of 41-50 years. Male predominance was seen. The buccal mucosa was most frequently involved site. Among malignant lesions most common was moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and among premalignant lesions most common was keratosis with mild dysplasia. Conclusion: Early detection of pre-malignant lesion can prevent further complication. Hence not only clinical examination but also histopathological examination which is gold standard for lesions of oral cavity.