Clinicopathological Study of Biopsied Tongue Lesions Among 5284 Dental Outpatients in Southern Iran.

Purpose: Some studies have shown a high incidence of oral cancer among tongue biopsy specimens. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and distribution of tongue biopsied lesions in an Iranian population.
Methods: In this retrospective study, data from 5284 oral biopsy reports over a 22-year period (1996-2017) were evaluated regarding the type of lesions, location and patient's age and gender. Data were analyzed by descriptive analysis.
Results: Out of total oral lesions, 365 (6.9%) were tongue lesions, with the incidence peak (41.9%) in the age group of 41-60 years old, with female tendency. Irritation fibroma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and oral lichen planus (OLP) were the most common lesions. The lateral border of the tongue was the most common site of biopsy. Color changes, exophytic changes and ulceration were the most frequent reported clinical signs.
Conclusion: The findings showed that tongue biopsied lesions had low frequency. Irritation fibroma, SCC and OLP were the most common lesions with a female predilection. By comparing the present results with other epidemiologic studies, it revealed valuable data, which can be useful for dental practitioners. © The Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India 2020.