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Oral submucous fibrosis. A review
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital Dental Clinical School, NSW.
Australian Dental Journal
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), a condition affecting millions, is strongly linked to betel quid use. Genetic factors may influence disease development, which carries a significant risk of oral cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) impacts millions globally, primarily in the Indian subcontinent.
- Difficulty in eating due to limited oral opening is a key symptom.
- Betel quid consumption is a significant risk factor, though pathogenesis may involve nutritional and immunological factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the epidemiology, risk factors, and malignant transformation potential of OSF.
- To highlight the association between betel quid use and OSF.
- To identify markers associated with malignant changes in OSF patients.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological review of OSF prevalence and risk factors.
- Analysis of oral cancer incidence in OSF patients.
- Identification of potential biomarkers for malignant transformation.
Main Results:
- Betel quid (areca nut, tobacco, lime) chewing is a major risk factor for OSF.
- OSF patients have a 7.6% incidence of oral cancer over a median 10-year follow-up.
- Epithelial dysplasia, nucleolar organizer region counts, and sister-chromatid exchange frequencies are risk markers for malignant transformation.
Conclusions:
- Betel quid chewing is a primary driver of oral submucous fibrosis.
- OSF presents a substantial risk for developing oral cancer.
- Further research into p53 tumor suppressor gene mutations is warranted for understanding malignant changes.