A cytological study of leukoplakia in oral cavity at Patliputra Medical College and Hospital, Dhanbad

Objectives: To assess the role of cytology in leukoplakia and its etiology in patients attending outpatient department at Patliputra Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India. Materials and Methods: The diagnosis of leukoplakia was based on clinical examination and cytological smear. Results: The total number of patients affected by leukoplakia in this time duration was 268. Of these, 238 (86%) were male, whereas 30 were female (14%). Greatest proportion of patients with leukoplakia had a habit of consuming khaini and tobacco in other forms. Mild form of leukoplakia was commonly seen. Conclusion: This study reveals that the incidence rate of leukoplakia in patients visiting PMCH, Dhanbad, was 1%. Males were more affected than females. Use of cytology in mass screening programs helped in identifying leukoplakias with parakeratotic patterns and leading to those cases, which need careful long-term follow-up.