We all know that OSMF is being and becoming one of the most common premalignant lesions in the oral cavity in all groups of age, so let us share our knowledge about diagnosis, symptoms and treatment plan of Oral Submucous Fibrosis
WHAT IS OSMF?
Chronic insidious disease affecting any part of the oral cavity including pharynx, causing juxta epithelial hyalinisation, fibro elastic changes in the connective tissue leading to stiffness and inability to open the mouth
SYMPTOMS ?
Burning sensation to spicy foods, defective gustatory sensation, dryness of mouth, appearance of blisters,ulcers, petechiae in buccal mucosa and palate, in advanced cases the mucosa becomes blanched, fibrous bands which are painful on palpation, inability to open the mouth, deviation of uvula, inability to whistle, blow out a candle, impairment of tongue movements, referred pain to ear, nasal voice, etc.
When diagnosing a case of OSMF all other systemic disorders that show oromucosal changes should be eliminated. Oral Submucous Fibrosis is mostly associated with habit of arecanut chewing but rarely genetically inherited cases are also reported.
TREATMENT PLAN ?
IN EARLY STAGES – Cessation of the habit with antioxidants
IN MODERATE STAGES– Steroids {submucosalintralesional injections}
Placental extracts-{placentrex-50mcg/m2 3 times per week}
Hyaluronidase-{steroids +topical hyaluronidase}
IFN – gamma-{antifibrotic cytokine given as intralesional injections alters collagen synthesis}
Lycopene- {intralesional betamethasone 1ml ampules of 4 mg each 2 weekly}
Pentoxifylline-{400 mg 3 times daily,a methylxanthine derivativehas vasodilating properties,decreases platelet aggragation.
IN SEVERE CASES – Surgical excision the bands.
Since the condition is irreversible treatment is symptomatic , it is aimed at prevention of further progress,improving mouth movements
