Clinico-Pathological Evaluation and Correlation of Stages of Oral Submucous Fibrosis with Different Habits

Objective: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition and is mainly associated with the chewing of areca nut. This study was undertaken to correlate the etiological factors (duration, frequency, style and chewing habit) associated with OSF with clinical grading and histological staging. Methodology: A total of 50 clinically and histopathologically diagnosed cases of OSF were included in the study. Detailed clinical examination of each patient was done; emphasizing on their habit. Clinical grading and histological staging of each case was done and the data was recorded in a prescribed format. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test. Result and observation: A total of 50 subjects were studied, with a male to female ratio of 7.3:1 with age range of 20-30 year. Gutkha-chewing habit alone was identified in 46% of subjects and those associated with gutkha and tobacco were 33.3% with a mean ± S.D=32 ± 11.51. Conclusion: The widespread habit of chewing gutkha plays a major role in the development of Oral Submucous Fibrosis than any other habit. The duration and frequency of its use and type of areca nut product has effect on the incidence and severity of OSF.