Oral Sub-Mucous Fibrosis (OSMF) in Australia?
Purpose: OSMF is an established pre-malignant condition. OSMF is related to the habitual chewing, for protracted periods of Betel “quid or “paan”, which contains a mixture of areca nut and/or betel leaves, various flavourings, including spices, to which tobacco is often added. OSMF contributes to the high incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), throughout the Indian Sub-continent, Southeast Asia, and locations in the western Pacific. Migrants from these countries to Australia continue to practice this habit. Use of quid/paan has increased with its export from India, as a commercially prepared food product, for sale worldwide, including in Australia. The consequences is an expected rise in the incidence of OSCC.
Method: Case series, with literature reivew.
Results: Three cases of OSMF are reviewed, in particular addressing the concern about access to Betel quid/paan products in Australia.
Conclusions: Habitual Betel quid/paan chewing is an identified risk factor for the development of OSCC. OSMF is a known premalignant condition, with recognisable oral mucosal features. Action is required to prevent this potential increase in the incidence of OSCC. Education of health providers is required to question their patients about Betel nut use and identify SMF. This seems particularly important for those practitioners who cater to immigrants from countries where this habit is entrenched. A preventive program to target this population and limit their acceptance and use of Betel nut products is also needed.