Oral submucous fibrosis: A rare case in a child and its management

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant condition mainly found in people of Indian subcontinent. Although, mainly adults affected with OSMF have been seen in literature, but its incidence is increasing in pediatric population in recent years. The increased trend of habit of chewing the areca nut in children has been associated with this condition. There is paucity of published literature regarding OSMF in pediatric age group. Hence, the current article presents a case report of OSMF in an 8.5-year-old boy having chronic habit of chewing flavored supari (areca-nut) five to seven packets per day in the last 3 years. Patient was managed by counseling, medicinal treatment and oral physiotherapy. Follow-up evaluation of patient showed the significant reduction in signs and symptoms of OSMF.