Prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis in school going children who chew betel nut versus those who do not: a cross sectional study

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study in Central District of Karachi [CDK] was to assess the prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions and to investigate associations which may exist between oral conditions and Betel nut [BN] chewing among the young school goingchildren

Study Design: Cross-Sectional Study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Dental Department, Baqai University, Karachi, from April 2011 to July 2011

Materials and Methods: Questionnaire based research was conducted. Three hundred and sixty students from 17 different schools participated in the study. The mean age was 13.86 +/- 1.2 years with the age range of 12 to 16 years. Out of these 360 students, 175 were females and 185 were males

Results: The results showed a high prevalence of the pre-cancerous lesion, oral submucous fibrosis among BN chewers [BNC] compared to non-chewers [NBNC][19% and 3% respectively]. The high prevalence of BN chewing [59% of the low socio-economic young population studied] should be addressed at local and government level through support for effective preventive programs and health promotion campaigns

Conclusion: Promotion of oral health and eradication of BN chewing are important goals for the prevention of oral cancer among this population

profile of oral cancer presenting at ASH

To establish the location and association with halts of oral cancer patient Design: Descriptive study. Subjects: Sixty six patients presenting with squamous cell carcinoma at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi between February 1997 to March 2002 were studied. In this study of 60 patients, there is a slight preponderance of male to female ratio of 1: 3. Average age of cases was 49.47 + 9.28 [SD]. Buc cal mucosa was involved in 46.6% of the cases, being the most common site of involvement followed by mandibulo-alveolar mucosa and retromolar tongue. Leukoplakia 40% being the most frequently associated premalignant lesion followed by oral submucous fibrosis. Ulceration and exophytic growth combined were seen together in 47%. Bony erosion was seen radiographically in 43% of cases. The main reason of coming to the clinic was ulceration of mouth. Buccal mucosa is the most common site involved in SCC. Ulceration being the most clinical presentation. Any person presenting with mouth ulceration should be evaluated thoroughly