Pattern of Presentation for Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a chronic, progressive, debilitating condition affecting oral mucosa with recognized high risk of transformation into malignancy. Areca nut, betel quid, and gutka consumption are the established primary culprits culminating in chronic irritation leading to inflammation and fibrosis of exposed mucosa. The aim of the study was to describe the pattern of presentation for oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) patients who were seen in dental OPD at Dow International Medical and Dental College, Ojha campus, Karachi during one year (January 2015 to January 2016). Data pertaining to patient demographics, oral habits, clinical history and presentation were gathered and analyzed using SPSS 16.0. OSF was seen mostly during third decade of life with a strong male predilection (male to female ratio 5:1). The predominant complaint at presentation was trismus followed by stomatitis. Majority of the patients indicated a positive history of certain oral habits. More than half of the patients presented in stage 3. A small percentage of patients also reported with unknown etiology suggesting a possible role of genetics in pathogenesis. Increasing incidence in younger adults, particularly men from low socio-economic status should alarm the healthcare providers to target their preventive programs at this population. An incurable, progressive disease like OSF needs more efforts to prevent than cure particularly when the causative agents are established and widely available in the market.