Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has always been recognized as a chronic, progressive and disabling disease of the oral mucosa. It is a well-recognized pre malignant condition which in most cases leads to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The objective of this study was to compare the presentation of OSF alone and in patients who have developed OSCC.
This cross sectional study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr Ishrat-ul-Ibad Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Karachi. Out of 106 patients who were diagnosed with OSF, 17 had OSCC as well. The most common presenting complaints amongst patients presenting with OSF along and OSF with OSCC were limited mouth opening and mouth ulcers respectively (p= 0.001). When compared with patient having OSF alone, patients presenting with OSF and associated OSCC were significantly older and gave history of prolonged use of areca nut and betel quid.