Pattern of Occurrence and Severity of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Among Habitual Gutkha, Areca Nut and Pan Chewers

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a complex, insidious and precancerous disease of the oral cavity. The high use of addictive substances in our local setting merits to be worked on finding out the resultant prevalence of OSF. Objective: To determine the frequency of occurrence and severity of OSF among habitual gutkha, areca nut and pan chewers. Methods: A total of 183 patients with presenting complaints of burning in mouth, difficulty in chewing and cheek biting and who are habitual chewer of areca nut, gutkha or pan for over 6 months with minimum frequency of 1 pack per day were recruited in this study at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro, Pakistan. Severity of OSF was assessed as per clinical staging and findings was reported. Results: The average age of the patients was 34.57±9.98 years. Frequency of occurrence of OSF among habitual gutkha, areca nut and pan chewers was 100%.  Regarding severity of OSF among habitual gutkha, areca nut and pan chewers was observed and found 31.15% stage 1, 51.91% stage 2 and 16.94% stage 3. Severity of stages were not statistically significant in all type of addiction. Conclusions: It was concluded that dose-dependent association between the frequency and length of daily use of commercially accessible areca nut and tobacco products and the increased risk of disease.