[Statistical survey of afferent pathologies during a 5-year study in the oral pathology Department at the Second University of Naples].
BACKGROUND
Oral pathologies represent an increasingly frequent clinical entity and are often the local manifestations of systemic pathologies. The purpose of this study was to carry out a statistical and epidemiological survey of the afferent pathologies in the department of oral pathology at the Second University of Naples from December 1995 to December 2000.


METHODS
A total of 2112 patients were studied, divided by pathology and on the basis of valid epidemiological criteria. A statistical survey was carried out using different tests based on the nature of data available.


RESULTS
This survey showed a marked predominance of lichen cases (347), but it is important not to underestimate the significant incidence of BMS (burning mouth syndrome) (284) which exceeded the frequency of aphthous lesions (258) and leukoplakial lesions (218).


CONCLUSIONS
Mouth diseases account for a significant part of the disorders found in clinical dentistry. This study focused on those pathologies with the highest frequency, basing this analysis on etiological and clinical criteria and stimulating the interest of the dentist in individual forms by highlighting their incidence during normal professional activities.
Femiano
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F
Oral Immunopathology, School of Dentistry, II University of Medicine and Surgery, Naples, Italy. femiano@libero.it
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014495:Universities