Clinically malignant exophytic lesions in the background of oral submucous fibrosis: report of five cases

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), a common disease in South Asia, is a chronic disorder, and there is a lack of proper scientific understanding about many aspects of the disease. Carcinogenesis in the background of dense fibrosis is considered the most significant aspect of the disease that needs investigation, as the transformation rate is also remarkable compared with other oral potentially malignant disorders. Verrucous growths are a common finding in patients with OSF. We highlight a group of patients who presented with clinically malignant verrucous growths. However, despite the highly suspicious clinical appearance, there was no histologic evidence of invasion. This subgroup of patients with OSF and the inability of the lesion to invade the underlying corium need to be investigated.