COMPARISON OF TREATMENT OUTCOMES BETWEEN PHARMACOTHERAPY AND SURGICAL MANAGEMENT FOR ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS

Abstract

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a challenging condition with severe physical and mental implications for affected patients. Various treatment modalities have been suggested to manage symptoms and address the abnormal fibrotic tissue progression. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of different treatment approaches based on disease severity and the impact of patient cooperation on treatment success.

Materials and methods: A total of 45 clinically diagnosed OSMF patients were enrolled and categorized into three groups based on disease severity and treatment method. Group-1 received medical management and comprised patients with interincisal mouth opening of more than 20 mm. Group-2 underwent both medical and surgical management and included patients with interincisal mouth opening less than 20 mm. Group-3 solely underwent surgical management and also had interincisal mouth opening less than 20 mm. All patients were counseled about the importance of habit cessation and prolonged oral physiotherapy.

Results: Throughout a four-month follow-up period, the interincisal mouth opening was measured for all patients. Results showed that in patients who strictly followed habit cessation and oral physiotherapy, there was no statistically significant difference in mouth opening among the three groups after the four-month period. However, when patients did not adhere to the operator's instructions for habit cessation and oral physiotherapy, a statistically significant difference in mouth opening was observed among the three groups. The mean age of the patients in the study group was 28.40±-8.6 years, and all patients presented with complaints of Trismus and Burning sensation. Areca nut chewing habit was common among all patients, either in the form of betel nuts or other commercially available products.

Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of targeted education and legislative changes to reduce areca nut dependence, in addition to habit cessation and oral physiotherapy, as essential components in the management of OSMF. As treatment regimens for OSMF continue to evolve, further research is warranted to develop more effective and personalized therapeutic protocols to alleviate the symptoms and manage the disease effectively.