Influence of risk factors on patients suffering from potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer: A case-control study.

Background: Tobacco use can alone lead to death worldwide, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. China and Brazil are the world's largest producer of tobacco. India holds the third place in producing, and it is the fourth largest consumer of tobacco and its products in the world.

Objectives: A case-control study was carried out to assess the influence of risk factors on patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral cancer.

Materials and Methods: Fifty cases diagnosed with PMD and oral cancer patients were selected for the study. An equal number 50 healthy controls who were also selected after age and gender matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the suspected risk factors for PMD and oral cancers. Chi-square test, Adjusted odd's ratios with 95% confidence interval were also used for the statistical analysis.

Results: There is a statistically significant difference between the different age group, duration, frequency, exposure time, and synergistic effect of tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol drinking.

Conclusions: Chewing tobacco is one of the major risk factors in the initiation of PMD which can lead to oral cancer.