Prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis in patients visiting dental OPD of a dental college in Kanpur: A demographic study

BACKGROUND: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is now globally accepted as an Indian disease. It has one of the highest rates of malignant transformation among potentially malignant oral lesions and conditions, therefore, a cause of concern for oral healthcare professionals. The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of OSMF among betel nut chewers in different age groups in patients visiting Dental College and Hospital Kanpur city, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 860 patients of OSMF visiting the dental outpatient clinic of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology Rama Dental College Hospital and research center, Kanpur over a period of 24 months (1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018) were selected for the study. A detailed case history and clinical examination was carried out under visible light. The diagnosis of OSMF was based on difficulty in opening the mouth and associated blanched oral mucosa, with palpable fibrous bands. Other diagnostic features included burning sensation, salivation, tongue protrusion, habits, and associated malignant changes. Study was done on the basis of age group, habit duration, frequency of habit, and type of habit. Simple correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: Of the 860 cases of OSF studied, 390 (46.42%) cases were stage II, 290 (34.52%) were stage III, 90 (10.73%) stage I, and 70 (8.33%) stage IV. Based upon age group, group III (30--40 years) showed more prevalence than the others. Areca nut (gutkha) was a significant etiological factor (55.8%) as compared with other etiological factors. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of OSMF requires significant awareness and management of these lesions among general population. Primary healthcare professionals and dentists should be knowledgeable and familiar with the etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of these lesions.