Clinical characteristics of patients with oral submucous fibrosis—hospital‐based retrospective study in a Sri Lankan cohort

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveOral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a well‐established oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) that affects South Asian countries including Sri Lanka where the traditional habit of areca nut chewing prevails. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic and clinical characteristics of OSF among patients presented to the Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.Materials and methodsA retrospective cohort of 503 patients, diagnosed with OSF, followed up in the Oral Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka for the past 22 years were included in this study.ResultsPatients ranging from 3 to 81 years (394 males [78.3%] and 109 females [21.7%]; mean age, 43.4 years) with the diagnosis of OSF were included in this study. The main presenting complaint of the patients was a burning sensation (45.3%), whereas 56 patients complained either of an ulcer or a white/red patch. The majority of 69.8% had the habit of betel chewing only, whereas 18.1% had the synergistic habit of betel chewing and smoking. About 69.8% had the involvement of the buccal mucosa with the presence of fibrous bands on the initial visit with 25.8% demonstrating restricted tongue movements. A large number of patients (35.2%) presented with dysplasia in the initial biopsy indicating severe disease at presentation.ConclusionThe clinical characteristics of OSF disease patterns may vary in different regions due to habit variations.