Oral Sub-Mucous Fibrosis: A Narrative Review of Long-Term Malignant Disorder
Data from different studies provide a surprising hallmark that chewing areca nuts are the main symptom of oral submucous fibrosis. It is a long-term malignant disorder that narrows the mouth. Geographically, the prevalence of OSF is found in the Asia region at higher rates whereas the severity has not been seen in Pakistan. Common risk factors are deficiencies or iron, vitamins, and protein, immunological factors play a major role in the development of the disease. The possible mechanisms are found which is increased collagen synthesis and degradation. Recently, molecular biomarkers are fruitful in the treatment of OSF but further research is required. INTRODUCTION Oral mucosa, a membrane lining the inside of the mouth is exposed to stresses such as microorganisms and chemicals. These stresses expose acute and chronic reactive changes in the epithelium and connective tissues of the oral mucosa. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), first defined by Schwartz in 1952, is a ...