Oral submucous fibrosis: An overview of a challenging entity

Abstract

The oral cavity is considered to be a mirror of the body’s health, as it reflects the manifestations of various systemic disorders. Most of the oral mucosa is derived embryologically from an invagination of ectoderm and thus, like other similar orifices, it may become involved in the disorders that are primarily associated with the skin. Oral submucous fibrosis is one of the commonest precancerous conditions of the oral mucosa involving any part of the oral cavity resulting in tissue scarring, dysphagia and trismus. It is a collagen-related disorder characterized by excessive fibrosis in the oral submucosa, hyalinization and degenerative changes in the muscles. This disease has become a challenging entity for dermatologists due to resemblance of its features to various mucocutaneous conditions. An improper diagnosis can lead to wrong treatment and additional complications. Dermatologists need to be aware of the characteristic features of this disease which can distinguish it from other similar conditions. This review aims to focus on the detailed aspects of oral submucous fibrosis including its historical background, etiological factors, pathogenesis, clinical features, differential diagnosis, investigations, management and future perspectives.

Evaluation of Nicotine Dependence Among Smokeless Tobacco Users Using the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Scale for Smokeless Tobacco

“…Ahmad et al (2006), Saraswathi et al (2006), Hazarey et al (2007), and More et al (2020) stated the increased incidence of oral submucous fibrosis among gutka chewers [ 14 - 17 ].…”

Plant leads for mitigation of oral submucous fibrosis: Current scenario and future prospect

“…This therapy may help stimulate resident tissue and transform it into new fibroblasts (Seshadri et al, 2013). Gupta and Jawanda (2021) also reported that this therapy has been proven to be effective in the treatment of OSMF by administering autologous bone marrow stem cell injections in the area of the lesion to decrease the progression of fibrosis because of increased angiogenesis, which ultimately improved the symptom of mouth opening. Apart from these, surgical intervention is also a process of treatment but only for the advanced stages of oral submucous fibrosis.…”

Oral Submucosal Fibrosis: A Potentially Malignant Condition to be Considered

“…Pathogenic features comprise persistent inflammation, local inflammation in the deep connective tissues or lamina propria, excessive collagen deposition underneath the oral mucosal epithelium, and muscle wasting. 12 Some OSMF sufferers feel severe oral burning after eating spicy foods. Additional signs of OSMF are pain, changes in tone, taste disturbances, dry mouth, trismus, dysphagia, and limited mouth mobility.…”