Oral submucous fibrosis: An update on pathophysiology of malignant transformation

J Oral Pathol Med. 2017 Jul;46(6):413-417. doi: 10.1111/jop.12582. Epub 2017 May 6.

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant condition associated with areca nut chewing. Formerly confined to the Indian subcontinent, it is now often seen in Asian populations of the United Kingdom, USA and other developed countries, and is therefore a serious problem for global health. What makes it more sinister is the malignant transformation rate, which has been reported to be around 7.6% over a 17-year period. In this concise article, we review the current trends in the pathophysiology of malignant transformation of OSMF.

Keywords: malignant transformation; oral submucous fibrosis; review; squamous cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Areca / adverse effects
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology*
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Oral Submucous Fibrosis / pathology*
  • Precancerous Conditions*