Oral submucous fibrosis: an update.

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Oncology
• Public health

Background:

• Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a prevalent premalignant condition linked to betel quid consumption, increasingly seen worldwide.
• It poses a significant risk for developing oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially with concurrent tobacco use.
• Clinical manifestations include mucosal blanching, gingival staining, and trismus, confirmed by histopathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the etiology, clinical presentation, and management of oral submucous fibrosis.
• To highlight the challenges in treating OSF and the importance of preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the pathophysiology of OSF.
• Analysis of clinical symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment modalities.
• Examination of the role of betel quid constituents like arecoline and copper.

Main Results:

• Betel quid components induce fibroblast dysfunction and fibrosis via complex signaling pathways.
• Current treatments focus on antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant mechanisms, with limited large-scale trials.
• Surgery may be required for advanced trismus, but effective healing is not guaranteed.

Conclusions:

• OSF is a serious global health concern requiring urgent preventive measures.
• Effective treatment options remain limited, underscoring the critical need for public health interventions.
• Further research into novel therapeutic agents is warranted, but prevention remains paramount.