Oral submucous fibrosis: a guide to diagnosis and management

Editors: Saman Warnakulasuriya and Kannan Ranganathan; 2023; Springer Cham; £103.50 (eBook); pp. 398; ISBN: 978-3-031-12855-4

Oral submucous fibrosis: a guide to diagnosis and management is a book edited by professors Saman Warnakulasuriya and Kannan Ranganathan. The book provides a detailed insight into oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) and is intended for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as being a reference for providers of primary care in Southeast Asia, who are more likely to be managing patients at risk of developing OSF. The book is split into 22 chapters, which are organised into six sections, in addition to an extensive bibliography.

The first section is an introduction to the condition, including an interesting initial discussion of the history of habitual use of areca nut, which is identified as the single most important risk factor for development of OSF. Also covered are epidemiology and recent trends of OSF, as well as extensive exploration of the clinical features and associated conditions, both of which make good use of excellent clinical photography. There is also a comprehensive overview of the numerous classifications for OSF, with the final chapter in the section discussing the malignant transformation risk.

The second section explores the aetiology of OSF, and is split into lifestyle, genetic and dietary factors, with the chapter on managing genetics including fine detail of the subject whilst remaining digestible to the reader. Two further chapters discuss aetiopathogenesis, and these are aided by tables and diagrams.

The book then moves on to investigative techniques, with non-invasive techniques covered prior to discussion of histopathological features and biomarkers. The penultimate section sheds light on the management of OSF, where chapters are found on medical and surgical management, as well as the chemopreventive use of curcumin.

The final section is based around addiction to areca nut, first discussing assessment of addiction before taking a fascinating look at behavioural interventions, and finally pharmaceutical agents which may aid in the cessation of areca nut.

Notable throughout the book is the attention to use of an evidence-based approach, use of tables which effectively condense large amounts of information, and concise summaries at the end of chapters which help consolidate learning. It is an excellent tool for those with a specific interest in the subject, or those practising in Southeast Asia, but it may provide surplus detail for those studying or working in primary care in the UK.