Comparison of Oral Submucosal Thickness in Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients Before and After Treatment Using Ultrasonography - A Hospital-Based Study

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OMFS) is a chronic progressive, potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity. The diagnosis is usually based on clinical findings, and normally, biopsy is not performed as it can result in scarring and worsening of the condition. The prognosis of the treatment is judged by clinical assessment, and it can vary among clinicians. Ultrasonography is a non-invasive technique used in diagnostic imaging for many decades, including oral and maxillofacial pathologies. Aim and Objective: The present study aimed to compare the oral submucosal thickness in OSMF patients before and after treatment using ultrasonography. Materials and Methods: Fifty OSMF patients were selected and recalled biweekly for two months for injecting dexamethasone and hyaluronidase intralesional injections. Each patient was subjected to ultrasonographic evaluation of oral mucosa before and at the end of treatment. Pre- and post-treatment ultrasonographic thickness of oral submucosa was compared using paired t-test. Result: The inference of the present study showed a reduction in the thickness of oral submucosa after treatment in OSMF. The decrease in thickness of the submucosa was statistically significant (p-value < 0.00), and also, there was a correlation between mouth opening and ultrasonographic measurements of the submucosa. Conclusion: Hence, ultrasonography can be used as a non-invasive tool for evaluating OSMF by comparing the change in the thickness of submucosa before and after treatment.