Prevalence of Oral submucous fibrosis in and around population of Vadodara and its relation to type , duration and frequency of habit: A Hospital based observational study.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is now accepted globally as an Indian disease, having highest malignant potential than any other oral premalignant lesions. Epidemiological evidence strongly indicate the association of the betel quid (BQ) habit and OSF. Other etiological factors suggested are chillies, lime, tobacco, nutritional deficiencies such as iron and zinc, immunological disorders, and collagen disorders. The male-to-female ratio of OSMF varies by region. Recent data suggests that prevalence of OSMF in India has increased from 0.03% to 6.42%.

The hallmark of the disease is submucosal fibrosis that affects most parts of the oral cavity, pharynx and upper third of the esophagus leading to dysphagia and progressive trismus due to rigid lips and cheeks.

Epidemiological survey conducted in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat state diagnosed as suffering from OSMF with a prevalence of 3.2%.

According to the National Report of Global Adult Tobacco Sur­vey conducted in India , the current prevalence of smokeless tobacco use is 25.9 %. There are 30 different types of smokeless products available in India  including zarda, which contains dried and boiled tobacco leaves, limes, areca nut, additives, spices, and tannins.

The hallmark of the disease is submucosal fibrosis that affects most of the parts of oral cavity, pharynx and upper third of the esophagus.

Very few prevalence studies for Oral submucous fibrosis are carried out in Gujarat population. Also its relation to various types of habit and their actual frequency and duration is not established.

This study would be amongst one of the epidemiological studies with large data over the period of 5 years.