Frequency and Clinical Presentation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Abstract

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, precancerous condition of oral mucosa characterized by juxta-epithelial inflammatory reaction along with hyalinization of lamina propria. These alterations causes fibrosis and stiffness of oral mucosa leading to limited mouth opening and related problems. Objective: To evaluate the frequency and clinical forms of Oral Submucous fibrosis. Methods: A retrospective study conducted on patients from Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery department of Dr. Ziauddin hospital Clifton, Kemari & North Nazimabad campus from 2009 till 201 3. Patients with OSMF irrespective of age and gender were the inclusion criteria. The demographic information along with clinical presentation of patients was tabulated and analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: A total number of 70 patients with OSMF were evaluated. The most commonage group was 11- 20 years in the study. There were 42 male and 28 female patients with male female ratio. The most common complaint of OSMF patients was burning sensation in oral cavity followed by limited mouth opening and dryness of mouth. The majority of patients presented with an advanced stage of disease with grade 3 interincisal distance. Conclusion: OSMF is becoming a disease of younger adults with a slight male predilection. The majority of patients presents with a progressive and advanced form of disease. Key Words: OSMF, Precancerous Condition, Fibrosis, Interincisal Distance.