Oral submucous fibrosis in children: an alarming condition and challenges in management

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a well-documented potentially malignant condition. It affects most commonly the adult patients of India and Indian subcontinent, only few cases affecting children have been reported in the literature. This paper presents three cases of OSF below the age of 12 years and reviews the aetiology, clinical presentation, treatment modalities in children with improved follow-up results. Clinical features like restricted mouth opening, burning sensation and history of betel nut chewing helps in the diagnosis of the patients, which can be confirmed by histopathological examination. Conservative management and oral physiotherapy in children help in improved mouth opening. Counselling the children, their friends and parents also plays a vital role. The present paper highlights that children on a larger scale are using tobacco products and further studies are required with larger sample size.

Evaluation of salivary tumor necrosis factor α as a diagnostic biomarker in oral submucosal fibrosis and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx: a cross sectional observational study

“…Despite extensive research conducted over many years, particularly in South Asia, oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF) has not been studied on a global scale. Although the incidence of this condition is on the rise, there has been little progress in effectively managing it ( 19 ). A recent 2021 study conducted by Rai et al investigated the incidence of OSMF among boys aged 9–12 years attending school in a rural village.…”

“…A recent 2021 study conducted by Rai et al investigated the incidence of OSMF among boys aged 9–12 years attending school in a rural village. Notably, all of these boys reported a history of chewing tobacco and betel nut in a group setting ( 19 ). Furthermore, in 2019, Talla et al in 2020 and Kariya et al documented cases of OSMF in children as young as 5 years old.…”