Etiology of oral submucous fibrosis with special reference to the role of areca nut chewing

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a high risk precancerous condition, predominantly affecting Indians. Consumption of chilli was hypothesized as an etiologic factor on the basis of ecological observations and a solitary animal experimental study. Subsequent epidemiologic studies that included case-series reports, large cross-sectional surveys, case-control studies, cohort and intervention studies have identified areca nut as the major etiologic agent. Tissue-culture studies involving human fibroblasts, areca nut extracts and areca nut alkaloids supported this etiologic hypothesis by showing fibroblastic proliferation and increased collagen formation. Currently, the role of genetic susceptibility and that of autoimmunity are receiving attention. The influence of nutritional factors, if any, remains unclear.

Use of Smoke-less Tobacco Amongst the Staff of Tertiary Care Hospitals in the Largest City of Pakistan

“…Majority of the users underestimate the potency of the products and believe that as long as they do not swallow it they are protected from its harmful effects hence most of them spit it out. A study showed that 85% of oral lesions were located in the primary area of SLT placement, regardless of fact that it was spit or swallowed (Murti et al, 2006).…”

Prevalence, age of onset and demographic relationships of different areca nut habits amongst children in Tower Hamlets, London

“…This contrasts with the situation with an older population in which betel-quid was the most prevalent habit. 2,3,13 Because of the association between the use of areca nut alone and OSF 6,9,11,12 it is possible that by the time the children are entering their teens they already have an increased likelihood of developing OSF. Indeed in India the incidence of OSF amongst children has already been reported.…”

Estimation of serum iron and protein levels in oral submucous fibrosis: A clinical research

“…[1] The age-old adage -"Prevention is better than cure" still holds true in the contemporary world. Therefore, detection of pre-cancers and preventing them on time seems to be the best available tool in the fight against cancer.…”

“…Therefore, detection of pre-cancers and preventing them on time seems to be the best available tool in the fight against cancer. [1] Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a well-recognized potentially malignant condition of the oral cavity. Trace elements have been critically examined in etiology of various diseases, especially cancer.…”