Detection of oral submucous fibrosis using ultrasonography in a Navi Mumbai population: An analytical cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Ultrasonography (USG) has emerged as a real time imaging modality capable of assessing the thickness and depth of the affected oral mucosa in a potentially malignant condition like Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Aim: To test the efficiency of Ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and correlate it with clinical staging. Settings and Design: Analytical Cross-sectional study conducted in Department of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology (OMDR) for patients with a history of areca nut chewing, with and without Oral Submucous Fibrosis with USG for assessing Masseter thickness on right and left side. Materials and Methods: USG was done to assess Masseter muscle thickness on the right and left side for 90 patients, 45 with a history of habit and Oral Submucous Fibrosis and 45 with history of habit and without Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Statistical Analysis: Using SPSS Software, Intra, and Intergroup comparison of frequencies of clinical variables and thickness of masseter muscle on USG was done using the Chiquare test. Result: In group 1, intergroup comparisons showed a concomitant increase in Masseter thickness with an increase in severity of Oral Submucous Fibrosis on USG, which was statistically significant. In group 2, USG could detect the increased thickness of the masseter despite the absence of clinical signs and symptoms. Conclusion: Ultrasonography was effective in determining the thickness of the Masseter in subjects with Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Initial thickening of the muscle in patients with no Oral Submucous Fibrosis was noted, thus proving the diagnostic value of USG in Oral Submucous Fibrosis.