OSF is caused only by Arecanut
  OSF is caused only by Arecanut

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OSF is caused only by Arecanut. Because of Gutka, Panmasala which are primarily Areca nut products (with 85% + arecanut) the OSF incidences have gone up significantly. OSF is never seen in only chewing tobacco users. Still there is misconception that OSF is caused by tobacco. What is truth?

4 Answers

Doctor answered : 10 years ago

Hi,
the truth is that in India, rarely tobacco is consumed in its pure form... usually mixed with areca nut.
The statement that OSF is never seen in only tobacco chewers is not correct as there are exceptions. also OSF in not caused only by areca nut, as there are some genetic linkages also.
the concept behind tobacco chewers is still not statistically proven but they have not denied the fact also. Dr Sumanth in one of his lectures have spoken on this aspect.
The inference which I got was that to clearly identify the subjects who just consume pure tobacco only is very difficult as most of the people use areca nut also

it is basically chemical cell injury which generates free radicals. These free radicals scavenge oxygen from the tissues. that is why anti oxidants are prescribed.

You are right OSF is caused by unripe Arecanut, adding tobacco to it causes synergistic effect. But other constituents like gambhir, katha which are in ready made panmasala compound the effect. There are triad of factors responsible for OSMF they are genetically susceptible individual, lowered immunity and aercanut consumption.

dear rom,
OSF may even cause for Excessive consumption of red chiles,Immunological diseases,Extreme climatic conditions,Prolonged deficiency to iron and vitamins in the diet.
thank you
Dr.Rahul Banerjee

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