Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Submucosal Thickness in Oral Submucosal Fibrosis Patients and its Correlation with Clinical Staging - A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder mainly caused by areca nut chewing, leading to excessive collagen deposition and oral fibrosis. Conventional diagnostic methods are invasive and subjective, prompting interest in non-invasive alternatives. Purpose: To evaluate submucosal thickness in OSMF patients using ultrasonography (USG) and correlate findings with clinical staging. Design and Sample: A case-control study at Yenepoya Dental and Medical College, Mangalore, including 33 OSMF patients (staged clinically) and 11 healthy controls. Variables: Clinical stage (independent), submucosal thickness (outcome), with age and sex as covariates. Analysis: Bivariate and post hoc analyses examined associations between submucosal thickness, staging, and covariates. Results: The analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in submucosal thickness with advancing disease stages, which was indicated by progressively higher mean values and widening confidence intervals. Post hoc comparisons between stages revealed significant differences, underscoring the strong correlation between disease severity and increased submucosal thickness. Conclusions and Relevance: Ultrasonography is an effective, non-invasive tool for evaluating submucosal thickness in OSMF patients. It offers a reliable correlation with clinical staging, making it valuable for early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and assessing treatment efficacy. This study underscores the potential of USG to provide objective, precise assessments of OSMF severity, enhancing clinical management of the condition.

Keywords

• oral submucous fibrosis (osmf)
• ultrasonography (usg)
• submucosal thickness