A prospective study of evaluation of methods to decrease the morbidity in oral submucous fibrosis

Abstract

Aim : To evaluate the effect of antioxidants, intralesional steroids and laser in decreasing morbidity in patients of oral submucous fibrosis Introduction : Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic disorder characterized by progressive fibrosis of the lining mucosa of the upper digestive tract involving the oral cavity, oropharynx, and rarely the upper third of the esophagus, resulting in intolerance to spicy foods, burning sensation in the mouth, limitation of mouth opening and tongue mobility, xerostomia, dysphagia and hoarseness. OSMF has been reported to occur commonly in conjunction with premalignant diseases such as leukoplakia and lichen planus and therefore aprecursor to oral cavity cancer in many cases. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 60 patients with OSMF attending the Ear Nose and Throat Clinic of Dhiraj Hospital, Piparia. Patients of OSMF were evaluated as per Performa and for proper treatment planning were broadly classified into 4 groups based on classification suggested by Sinha et al . Conclusion : Lycopene, an antioxidant has significant response in early cases of OSMF in decreasing the burning pain in oral cavity in OSMF. Inj. triamcinolone and Inj. hyaluronidase, given submucosally havesignificant response in early cases of OSMF to improve cheek flexibility.CO₂ laser have significant results in achieving satisfactory mouth opening in OSMF but notcheek flexibility.