Abstract
Introduction The aging population phenomenon is occurring on a global scale; aging affects all
of the structures of organisms, including the oral cavity.
Objective To estimate the frequency of oral lesions, according to the clinical and histopathologic
diagnoses, and to describe the sociodemographic profile of the elderly treated at
the referral centers of oral lesions of public universities in Bahia, Brazil.
Methods A descriptive epidemiologic study with transverse characteristics was conducted with
elderly patients between August 2010 and January 2012. A form was used to collect
data. The descriptive analysis consisted of calculating the simple and relative frequencies
of sociodemographic variables and oral lesions.
Results The population was predominantly black women, and the minority of elderly people
were retired. Fibroid (13%) and squamous cell carcinoma (145%) were more prevalent
clinical diagnoses, with squamous cell carcinoma (30.7%) and fibrous hyperplasia more
prevalent histopathologic diagnoses.
Conclusion A prevention policy needs to be implemented to reduce new cases of oral lesions in
Bahia, Brazil and to aid in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of oral lesions.
Keywords
epidemiology - mouth diseases - elderly - mouth mucosa - oral lesions - diagnosis
oral
