Prevalence of oral mucosal abnormalities in addiction treatment centre residents in Southern Ireland.

This study examines the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and conditions among Irish addiction treatment centre residents and explores the feasibility and acceptability of a targeted oral cancer screening programme for such individuals. Four alcohol addiction treatment centres were visited periodically over a 12-month period. Two hundred and twenty residents (78% of 283 targeted) were interviewed regarding their alcohol, tobacco and drug habits (type, quantity, duration), and attitudes to dental care. Comprehensive oral examinations were performed. All potentially sinister soft tissue lesions/symptoms were referred for further investigation. Data analysis utilised SPSS-18. Ten participants who denied a history of alcohol/drug addiction were excluded from the main study. Remaining 210 participants comprised 148 males (70%) and 62 females (30%), ranging from 18 to 73years of age, (mean 37.65; S.D. 13.82); 60% were under 40. High rates of tobacco and alcohol usage were recorded, 53% reported dual addiction (drug+alcohol), 44% alcohol only, 3% drug only. The prevalence of mucosal abnormalities was 29% with 84 mucosal abnormalities/symptoms detected in 61 subjects, comprising 28 extra-oral lesions/symptoms and 56 intra-oral lesions. Residents with mucosal abnormalities were significantly older (mean 41.8years; S.D. 14.3) than those without such lesions (mean 35.95; S.D. 13.3), (p