A systematic review on the mechanisms of malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), the most commonly encountered potentially premalignant oral epithelial lesion, is a chronic disorder associated with areca nut chewing. It has a relatively high potential for malignant transformation resulting into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common oral malignancy with high mortality rate. Paymaster first described the malignant potential of OSMF in 1956, the rate of which had been estimated to be 7–13%. The pathogenesis of OSMF in itself is quite varied, and hence, its transformation to malignancy is also open to many varied mechanisms. The early diagnosis and sequentially, early treatment of OSMF is desirable so that the progression towards malignancy can be controlled. There are various theories that have been put forward explaining the probable pathway of malignant transformation of OSMF such as hypoxia, areca nut as a carcinogen or epithelial–mesenchymal transitions. Many recent molecular advances have also highlighted few biomarkers and genes that play a pivotal role in transformation of OSMF to OSCC. The purpose of this systematic review is to discuss all the possible mechanisms of malignant transformation of OSMF. Further research is still needed to establish the exact mechanism responsible for transformation of OSMF to OSCC and to reduce the mortality by newer interventions.

Immunohistochemical biomarkers in oral submucous fibrosis: A scoping review

“…OSF is caused by chewing areca nut, which is the fourth most addictive substance (following alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine), with 600 million people, globally, consuming it 3,4 . It has a malignant transformation rate of 7%–13% 5 …”

“…3,4 It has a malignant transformation rate of 7%-13%. 5 Biomarkers reflecting the molecular changes in OSF have been studied, with the intent of understanding pathogenesis and identifying biomarkers of clinical relevance. Several molecular biomarkers of…”

Association of Blood Groups with Oral Submucous Fibrosis and if any of the Blood Group is Related with an Increased Risk for Oral Submucous Fibrosis

“…Blood group antigens are found on oral epithelial cells also besides their presence on red cell membranes. 10,11 In present research, among the OSMF cases, the female to male ratio was around 1:2. The greatest incidence of OSMF cases irrespective of blood groups was observed in the age set between 18-40years which is in accordance with the results shown in a study by Gheena & Jain.…”

Malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…First report of malignant transformation of OSF goes back to 1956 (Paymaster, 1956). Since then, several reviews on this topic reported variable rates of progression to cancer in patients diagnosed with OSF ranging from 5% to 13% Iocca et al, 2020;Phulari & Dave, 2020). This wide range probably relates to the variabilities among the reported studies, such as patients' setting, hospital or population base, and social behaviors, in addition to the length of follow-up.…”