Natl Med J India
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Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a precancerous condition caused by use of the areca nut. The reported prevalence of OSF in Bhavnagar district during 1967 was 0.16%. We investigated whether the impression of an increase in the incidence of the disease was real. ⋯ An increase in the prevalence of OSF, especially in the lower age groups, directly attributable to the use of areca nut products was observed. This could lead to an increase in the incidence of oral cancer in the future.