A STUDY ON ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS WITH AND WITHOUT ASSOCIATED ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (OSCC)

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a critical health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Even though the causes may vary regionally, the course of the disease and suffering prevails undeterred. Aims and objectives: The main objective of the study is to analyze the oral submucous fibrosis with and without associated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Material and methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in University College of Dentistry, University of Lahore during January 2018 to June 2018. The data was collected from 100 patients of both genders who were confirmed with OSF on the basis of history and clinical examinations were included in the study. Demographic and clinical information were recorded. The data was collected through a questionnaire. All the demographic and social data were included in this designed questionnaire. All OSF patients presenting with an ulcer were biopsied under local anesthesia by the researchers. For histopathological examination biopsy were performed to confirm the diagnosis of OSCC. Results: The data were collected from 100 patients of both females and males. The age distribution of the sample was analyzed. The patients were mostly above 50 years of age in both categories. However, the number of patients who were with OSCC at an age below 50 was greater in the OSF-positive group (23.8% vs. 21.9%). Similarly, the mean age of OSF + OSCC patients was 57.5 years while this value was 59.5 years for those without. Conclusion: It is concluded that tumors show well-differentiated histology and less lymph node involvement. However, a statistical significance was not observed among these variables, when comparing the OSCC patients with OSF to those who are without. Key words: OSCC, Patients, Dental, Significance