Oral submucous fibrosis: A contemporary narrative review with a proposed inter-professional approach for an early diagnosis and clinical management

1Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant disorder which was described by Schwartz in 1952 as “Atropica idiopathica mucosae oris” and later by Jens J. Pindborg in 1966 as “an insidious, chronic disease that affects any part of the oral cavity and sometimes the pharynx. Although occasionally preceded by, or associated with, the formation of vesicles, it is always associated with a juxtaepithelial inflammatory reaction followed by fibroelastic change of the lamina propria and epithelial atrophy that leads to stiffness of the oral mucosa and causes trismus and an inability to eat”. OSMF is also characterized by reduced movement and depapillation of the tongue, blanching and leathery texture of the oral mucosa, progressive reduction of mouth opening, and shrunken uvula. Other terms used to describe OSMF include idiopathic scleroderma of the mouth, juxtaepithelial fibrosis, idiopathic palatal fibrosis, diffuse oral submucous fibrosis, and sclerosing stomatitis.

2Worldwide, the number of cases of OSMF was estimated to be 2.5 million in 1996. Although many case finding studies have been conducted, particularly in South and South East Asia, OSMF is not a notifiable disease and no population-based data are available. The prevalence of OSMF in India has been estimated to range from 0.2–2.3% in males and 1.2–4.6% in females, with a broad age range from 11 to 60 years. A marked increase in incidence has been observed after the widespread marketing of commercial tobacco and areca nut products, generally known as Gutkha, which is sold in single-use packets. Currently, it is estimated that areca nut is consumed by 10–20% of the World’s population in a wide variety of formulations. The global South Asian diaspora also has a significant problem with cases reported from the United Kingdom, USA, South Africa, and many European countries.

3Table 1 and Fig. 1 present published estimates of the prevalence of OSMF, which range from 0.1 to 30%, varying by geographical location, sample size, and sampling methodology. There is an urgent need for large well-designed epidemiological surveys to understand the true global and regional burden of OSMF.

4Although the etiopathogenesis of this disease is multifactorial, areca nut-chewing in any formulation is considered the main causative agent. (Fig. 2) Contributory risk factors suggested includes chewing of smokeless tobacco, high intake of chilies, toxic levels of copper in foodstuffs and masticatories, vitamin deficiencies, and malnutrition resulting in low levels of serum proteins, anemia and genetic predisposition.

5Diagnosis of OSMF is based on clinical signs and symptoms that include burning sensation, pain, and ulceration (Table 4). Progressive restriction in mouth opening, blanching of the mucosa, depapillation of the tongue, and loss of pigmentation are other classic features (Fig. 3). Dysphonia and hearing impairment is also observed in advanced cases. Quality of life (QoL) is severely affected, worsening with increasing stage of the disease.

6OSMF progresses over time and management depends on the stage at clinical presentation. In 2012, More et al. proposed a disease progression-based classification (Table 5) which represents the clinical and functional staging of OSMF. This classification has been widely accepted/recommended as the closest fit for Indian population, especially to understand the disease progression/ clinical pattern. In 2017, Passi D. et al. proposed a pathologically updated and treatment management-based classification. This classification chiefly focuses and recommends the treatment management based on the clinical stage of OSMF. Later in 2018, Arakeri G. et al. proposed a three-component classification scheme (TFM) which can essentially be useful for effective communication amongst the care team, categorization of OSMF, recording data and disease prognosis, and treatment management. Additionally, this classification also describes OSMF malignant transformation in detail.

7Although there is general agreement regarding clinical staging, approaches to management of patients vary widely. Numerous interventions have been reported and are summarized in Table 6. Supportive regimens, such as vitamin and iron supplements, a mineral-rich diet, red fruits, green leafy vegetables, and green tea consumption, are often recommended but there are no good quality studies confirming their efficacy.

8OSMF is classified as an oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD). Patients with OSMF have been reported with higher risk of developing oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), compared to other OPMD’s. Although 7.6% of OSMF cases transformed to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in a 17-year follow up study reported in 1970, other studies with smaller follow up periods report malignant transformation rates ranging from 1.9–9%, depending on diagnostic criteria and duration of follow up.

9Studies suggest that malignant transformation in patients with OSMF differs from those without OSMF. This difference is believed to arise from the mechanism of areca nut carcinogenesis. A retrospective study conducted in China reported that oral cancer originating from OSMF is clinically more invasive and exhibits higher metastasis and recurrence rates compared to “conventional” OSCC. In contrast, Chaturvedi et al. found that OC arising in a background of OSMF represented a clinico-pathologically distinct entity, less aggressive than the “conventional” tobacco-related OC’s seen in India. Better prognostic features associated with OC occurring in a background of OSMF included early tumor stage, thinner lesions, fewer neck metastases with less extra-capsular spread, and more highly differentiated neoplasms. It was suggested that fibrosis in the oral mucosa and tumor stroma, with reduced vascularity, inhibits lymphatic and vascular spread.

10Studies have shown higher risk of malignant transformation of OSMF when observed with simultaneous oral leukoplakia. A wide array of studies was implemented recently to determine the possible mechanisms involved in malignant transformation, and many have focused their attention on molecular markers which could be helpful for early diagnosis and have possible, helpful therapeutic implications.

11As with other lifestyle related diseases, primary prevention at population and individual levels needs to be improved. Space does not permit an exhaustive discussion of the approaches here but, in the case of OSMF, this involves education of the public regarding the dangers of areca nut and tobacco, and legislation to restrict the sale of gutkha and similar products. Several Indian states have had success in this regard. Since May 2013, gutkha is banned in 24 states and 5 union territories of India, under the provision of centrally enacted Food Safety and Regulation (Prohibition) Act 2011. The ban is enforced by the State public health ministry, Food and Drug Administration and the local police. Although there is a significant reduction in the legal purchase of gutkha, the Supreme Court and higher enforcement bodies are still chasing to cease the illegal sale.

12What of the many millions already afflicted? Despite efforts to improve the management of OSMF, many come so late to diagnosis that cure is impossible, and interventions are of limited efficacy. So early diagnosis is of great importance. Further, most OSMF patients chew tobacco as well as an areca nut product, may imbibe unhealthy amounts of alcohol, and abuse other drugs. They often have dietary deficiencies. Therefore, they are at high risk of co-morbidities, including metabolic syndromes, respiratory, gastrointestinal/liver and cardiovascular diseases. (Fig. 4).

13Dependent on their dominant symptoms, patients may seek consultation from either primary care physicians (PCP) or dentists. When examined by a dentist, the diagnostic and treatment approach is likely to be focused on the oral signs and symptoms. Conversely, when patients present to a PCP, the focus of management is likely to be general, with the oral condition under-investigated and under-managed. In most of the world, these patients are not managed by a multidisciplinary team.

14We propose an inter-professional approach that may increase rates of early diagnosis of OSMF and potentially malignant disorders/OSCC, with integrated management of both oral and systemic symptoms, improving long-term prognosis, reducing suffering and improving quality of life.

15When a patient presents to a dentist, and a clinical diagnosis of OSMF is made, he/she should be referred to their primary care physician with a note of planned dental management. If any underlying systemic disease is diagnosed, the medical treatment plan should be communicated back to the dentist. If no systemic disease is diagnosed, a written medical clearance letter, including an assessment of risks of developing any systemic condition, and recommendations for review visits, should be included.

16When a patient presents to a physician, if he/she is a user of areca nut, and especially if restricted mouth opening is present, he/she should be immediately referred to a dentist detailing any planned management of other disease. The dentist should report back to the physician with a treatment plan for OSMF, if present, or dental clearance letter with a suggested risk of developing OSMF or any other oral disease.

17This, after all, should be routine in any integrated health care system.

18Although studied intensively over many decades, one might say centuries, especially in South Asia, OSMF is hardly recognized and is poorly understood across the globe. The incidence is rising; there has been no significant improvement in management, nor reduction in its high malignant transformation rate.

19Better integration of medical and dental services, especially in developing countries, may reduce patients’ suffering and improve their life quality. All health care professions must work together in public education and primary prevention.