Oral submucous fibrosis, a clinically benign but potentially malignant disease: report of 3 cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a premalignant condition mainly associated with the practice of chewing betel quid containing areca nut, a habit common among South Asian people. It is characterized by inflammation, increased deposition of submucosal collagen and formation of fibrotic bands in the oral and paraoral tissues, which increasingly limit mouth opening. Recently, OSF has been reported among South Asian immigrants in Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany. Dentists in western countries should enhance their knowledge of this disease as it seems to be increasing with population migration. In this paper, we review the literature on OSF and present 3 cases representing different stages of the disease to help dentists make an early diagnosis and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this condition.