Submucous fibrosis in non-betel nut chewing subjects.
Six patients with the typical features of submucous fibrosis (SF) but without a history of betel nut chewing or an abnormal intake of chillies are described. All had palpable fibrous bands in their mouths and limited mouth opening as well as a variety of symptoms associated with SF. Biopsy specimens of the cheeks showed the classic features of SF, an atrophic epithelium and a very dense lamina propria. Also seen were hyperkeratosis, atypia and signet cell-like degeneration of the epithelium and chronic inflammation of the lamina propria. In 3 cases the fibrosis extended into the submucosa. As no reason for the disease could be demonstrated the question is asked whether people with a genetic predisposition can develop SF spontaneously.
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Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, Natal.
van Wyk
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D000328:Adult; D001114:Areca; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D009914:Oral Submucous Fibrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D013019:South Africa