Abstract
The effect of alcohol on the oral mucosa was assessed using quantitative cytomorphology applied to smears taken from clinically normal oral mucosa of patients attending an alcohol problem unit and results were compared to a control group (consisting of social and non-drinkers) attending a hospital for routine dental care. Smears were stained using the Papanicolaou method and the nuclear and cell boundaries of 50 randomly selected cells traced and mean areas (NA and CA, respectively) calculated. The average number of units of alcohol consumed were recorded for each group together with relevant blood tests. The alcohol group was further subdivided into "binge" and "regular" drinkers. No significant differences were found between mean NA and mean CA values for these two types of alcohol drinkers, despite a marked difference in weekly units consumed. However, a statistically significant reduction in mean cytoplasmic area (P < 0.001) and mean nuclear area (P < 0.01) was found for the alcohol group when compared to controls. In conclusion, excess alcohol intake may influence results for quantitative oral cytomorphology. Further research is indicated on the relative effects of alcohol (both topical and systemic).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
