Response of lycopene in treatment of oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Introduction: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) is a well-known precancerous condition with malignant transformation rate as high as 7.6%. It results in marked rigidity of oral cavity and an eventual inability to open the mouth. Although OSF has a high rate of morbidity but no reliable treatment modality for its management has been developed yet. Objective: To determine the frequency of positive response of oral lycopene in the treatment of patients with Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Methods:A descriptive case series of patients with OSF was conducted at our institution for a period of 6 months i.e.18-11-2014 to 18-05-2015 in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, King Edward Medical University, Lahore. Data was collected by using non-probability sampling technique. After informed consent, all patients were prescribed lycopene 30 mg BD dose for a period of 6 months. Changes in mouth opening (IIO) was measured every month for each patient. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 20. Results: A total number of 100 cases were selected for this study. Mean age of the patients was 27.24±8.22 of which 53(53%) were male and 47(47%) were female cases. Positive response of lycopene was noted in 76(76%) of cases while 24(24%) did not respond to the treatment. No adverse effects reported during the treatment period as well as during follow-up. Conclusion: It is concluded that the lycopene can and should be used as a first line of treatment in the management of Oral Submucous fibrosis.