Trends in prevalence of oral lesions in middle and high school students in Nevada

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine trends in the prevalence of oral lesions among middle/high school students living in Nevada from 2001-2007. Understanding these trends will increase awareness of oral cancer and provide direction to public health programs addressing this issue.

Methods: Calibrated dental examiners evaluated over 55,000 students attending schools throughout Nevada in the six year period. Students were evaluated for pre-cancerous conditions, defined as oral lesions and enlarged lymph node.

Results: Data were collected for the school years from 2001-2007. The percentages of students who had oral lesions in each academic year are as follows: 2001-2002 9.5% (n=982); 2002-2003 2.3% (n=188); 2003-2004 1.1% (n=143); 2004-2005 1.6% (n=144); 2005-2006 3.4% (n=313); and from 2006-2007 2.7% (n=196).

Conclusions: There was a significant decrease between 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 (p=.001). This could be due to actual decrease in prevalence or to other unexplained confounding variables. From 2002 to 2007 oral lesions remained relatively stable ranging from 1.1 to 3.4%. The results of this study may help educators better identify current trends to prevent further increase in oral lesions. These prevalence rates further educators' awareness to increase early detection of oral cancer. Data for this study was provided by The Fund for a Healthy Nevada Grant.