Prevalence of Histopathologic Types of Buccal Mucosa Lesions in the Iranian Population: A 20‐Year Retrospective Study; [شیوع انواع هیستوپاتولوژیک ضایعات مخاط باکال در جمعیت ایرانی: یک مطالعه گذشته نگر ۲۰ ساله] Publisher

Summary: Which cheek lesions appear most often? A clinic-based study found lichen planus and irritation fibroma common, with strong clinical-pathology agreement. #OralHealth #Pathology

Shamloo N ; Mahdavifar A ; Modanlou K ; Afzali Z
Source: Koomesh Published:2026

Abstract

Background: Oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) are a significant public health concern because of their potential effects on overall health and quality of life, as well as their association with systemic diseases. The prevalence of these lesions varies according to demographic and geographic factors, highlighting the need for comprehensive epidemiological studies. Among OMLs, buccal mucosa lesions are particularly important because they are exposed to multiple mechanical, chemical, and microbial factors, making them more susceptible to various conditions. Objectives: This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the prevalence, characteristics, and distribution of buccal mucosa lesions in an Iranian population over a -20year period from 2002 to 2021, providing valuable epidemiological insights for disease prevention and clinical management. Methods: A total of 6797 oral biopsy reports from the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Department of Shahid Beheshti Dental School, Tehran, were reviewed, of which 549 cases involved the buccal mucosa. The lesions were categorized into six groups: epithelial, soft tissue, inflammatory, mucocutaneous, salivary gland, and hematologic disorders. Results: Mucocutaneous lesions had the highest prevalence (31.8%, 172 cases), followed by inflammatory lesions (30.7%, 166 cases) and epithelial lesions (26.6%, 146 cases). Lichen planus (24.8%, 136 cases) and irritation fibroma (22.6%, 122 cases) were the most common lesions. Women had a higher prevalence of buccal lesions than men (58.1%, 314 cases vs 41.9%, 226 cases), with the highest occurrence observed in the 51 - 60-year age group. Statistical analysis revealed significant concordance (81.9%) between clinical and histopathological diagnoses. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for regular oral health assessments, particularly among older adults and high-risk individuals to facilitate the early detection and management of buccal mucosa lesions. Copyright © 2025, Shamloo et al.