Trends and Patterns in Oral and Maxillofacial Biopsies in a Tertiary Care Centre of Jharkhand

Introduction Oral and maxillofacial lesions comprise a diverse spectrum of inflammatory, benign, premalignant, and malignant conditions. Histopathological evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the histopathological spectrum of oral and maxillofacial lesions and describe the distribution of histopathologically diagnosed lesions according to age, sex, anatomical site, and history of tobacco and alcohol consumption. Methodology This retrospective descriptive observational study included all oral and maxillofacial biopsy specimens received in the Department of Pathology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, between May 2022 and June 2024. Demographic characteristics, lesion site, histopathological diagnosis, and history of tobacco and alcohol use were retrieved from the pathology records and analyzed. Results A total of 141 cases were analyzed (mean age: 31.7 years; range: 22 days-78 years), with a male predominance (70.2%). Neoplastic lesions accounted for 99 cases (70.2%), while 42 (29.8%) were non-neoplastic. Among the 99 neoplastic lesions, 51 (51.5%) were malignant, all diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC); 31 (31.3%) were benign, with pyogenic granuloma being the most common; and 17 (17.2%) were premalignant, predominantly oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). The lower lip (25.5%) and tongue (24.1%) were the most frequently involved sites. Among patients with SCC, 94.1% reported tobacco use and 78.4% reported alcohol consumption, with 62.7% having a history of both exposures. Conclusion Neoplastic lesions predominated, with SCC being the most common malignancy and OSMF the most common premalignant lesion. A high proportion of patients with SCC had a history of tobacco and alcohol use. These findings highlight the importance of risk-factor modification and histopathological examination for the early diagnosis and appropriate management of oral and maxillofacial lesions.