Pemphigus vulgaris in oral cavity: Clinical analysis of 71 cases

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical presentation of pemphigus vulgaris in the oral cavity. Study design: A retrospective study of 71 cases of pemphigus vulgaris obtained over a period of 7 years from 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2007 in the Department of Oral Pathology, Government Dental College and Department of Dermatology, Government Medical College, Calicut was designed. Clinical details such as age, sex, intraoral distribution, extent of oral lesions, oral presentation, duration, oral involvement (whether primary or secondary) and mode of onset were noted from the files of corresponding Departments. Results: In about 53.52% of cases, the oral cavity was the primary site of involvement. The mean age was 42.73 years and male: female ratio was 1:1.73. The most commonly affected sites were the buccal mucosa and the palate. The disease began with generalized lesions rather than localized lesions. All cases presented as ulcers or erosions. Conclusion: Although minor differences were noted, the results of this study are in relatively good agreement with the literature with regard to the age, gender, and initial presentation of pemphigus vulgaris.