ABSTRACT:
AIM:- The aim of the research is to understand the prevalance and incidence of types of oral malignancy in Chennai population. OBJECTIVE:- India has the highest number of cases of oral malignancy in the world. The burden is not fully appreciated even within India, despite the high incidence and poor survival associated with the disease. The objective is to find the epidemiological variations with relation to oral malignancy in south Indian population. BACKGROUND:- Oral malignancy is a major problem in the subcontinent where it ranks among the top three types in the country. It is significant for public health importance in India. In India, due to cultural, ethnic, geographic factors and the popularity of addictive habits, the frequency of oral malignancy increases. Buccal mucosa is more common followed by tongue. Gutkha- the smokeless tobacco, is a very common cause of oral malignancy. It is known, about two-third of deaths due to oral malignancy occur in developing world, out of which, one- third occur in Indian subcontinent. REASON:- Public health officials, private hospital, academic medical centers within India have recognized oral malignancy as a grave problem. Epidemiological studies on a certain set of population will help us building the data base and to address the people.