Oral Submucous Fibrosis — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: A — Areca nut (betel nut) chewing
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, potentially premalignant condition caused primarily by areca nut (betel nut/betel quid) chewing. It is characterised by progressive subepithelial fibrosis of the oral mucosa, leading to stiffening, blanching, and restricted mouth opening (trismus). It has a significant malignant transformation rate (7-30%). It is most prevalent in South and Southeast Asian populations. There is no curative treatment; management includes cessation of the habit, physiotherapy for trismus, intralesional corticosteroid/hyaluronidase injections, and malignancy surveillance.
Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016