# Detecting oral cancer in edentulous patients during denture fabrication by Prosthodontists

## TL;DR

Prosthodontists can detect oral cancer and pre-cancerous lesions in toothless patients during denture fabrication, with a notable link to tobacco and alcohol use.

## Contribution

This study highlights the role of prosthodontists in early detection of oral cancer through routine soft tissue examination during denture fabrication.

## Key findings

- 24.8% of 500 edentulous patients had mucosal lesions, with 13.6% confirmed as potentially malignant disorders.
- Tobacco and alcohol use were significantly correlated with lesion occurrence (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively).
- Most lesions were identified during final impression and try-in stages of denture fabrication.

## Abstract

Detection of potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and oral cancer among completely edentulous patients by Prosthodontists is of
interest. Hence, a thorough soft tissue examination was conducted at five key stages of denture fabrication on 500 edentulous patients.
Information on tobacco and alcohol consumption was collected and biopsies were performed. Of the 500 participants, 124 (24.8%) presented
with mucosal lesions, and 68 (13.6%) were confirmed as PMDs through histological analysis. There was a significant correlation between
lesion occurrence and the use of tobacco (p < 0.001) and alcohol (p = 0.02). Most lesions were identified during the final impression
and try-in appointments. Thus, prosthodontists hold a crucial position in the early detection of oral cancer.