Patients with oral submucous fibrosis who visit dental hospitals have nonspecific chief complaints

Abstract

Background: The first consultation with a health-care professional is crucial to make the correct diagnosis particularly with respect to narrating the symptoms encountered by the patient. Yet, currently, no information is available concerning the primary symptoms documented by patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF). Materials and Methods: A total of 158 OSF patients visiting outdoor patient departments (OSF-OPDs) and 104 pan shop customers (PSCs) were investigated. OSF-OPD cases and relevant PSCs cases were investigated to discover the chief complaints (CCs) leading to dental visits. Detailed demographic data, patient histories concerning relevant habits (with duration), and socioeconomic status were recorded. OSF cases were graded based on the degree of mouth opening. Results: Out of 158 OSF-OPD patients, only 43 (26.58%) reported relevant disease symptoms of OSF: in stage III, 28.57%, or stage IV, 38.09%. One hundred and sixteen patients (73.41%) reported CCs unrelated to OSF, and all of these cases were diagnosed with an early stage of OSF (stage I: 47.05% and stage II: 22.5%). Out of the total 104 PSCs, 66 PSCs have had prior dental consultations, but only five (4.80%) individuals had visited a health-care professional due to OSF-related CCs. Conclusion: A significant number of CCs made by OSF patients were unrelated to their disease signs and symptoms. There is a lack of awareness of OSF symptoms by pan chewers, thus hindering early detection.