Pathology · single question
A patient with extensive brown/black staining and a betel nut chewing history presents. What is the PRIMARY clinical concern?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer risk
Betel nut (areca nut) is a Group 1 carcinogen strongly associated with oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – Betel nut causes oral submucous fibrosis and dramatically increases oral cancer risk.
- B. ❌ Betel nut does not primarily cause erosion.
- C. ❌ Fluorosis is from fluoride excess; unrelated to betel nut.
- D. ❌ While sugar may be in some betel preparations, carcinogenicity is the primary concern.