Oral Submucous Fibrosis: Review on Etiopathogenesis and Treatment Modalities

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic incidious disease of the oral mucosa characterized by inflammation and a progressive fibrosis of the lamina propria and deeper connective tissues. It is a condition predominantly seen among people of Indian subcontinent and areca nut chewing has been strongly associated with the onset and progression of the disease. Various other etiologic factors like genetic, immunologic, nutritional, autoimmune have been also implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. With the easily availability and effective economic pricing of commercial available areca nut the frequency of the disease has increased by many folds in the developing nations. Various treatment modalities are now available but the cessation of the habit should be prime importance during the treatment planning. The treatment of patient of OSMF depends on the degree of involvement. The aim of this paper is to discuss about the various factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of the disease along with the medical management for the patients of OSMF. Furthermore, since the aetiology is mostly linked to a habit, healthcare professionals have a very important role to play in terms of lifestyle modification advice, which may significantly decrease the disease incidence, progression and morbidity, if not mortality.