Micronuclei as prognostic marker: A clinicopathologic study

Abstract

Background: Tobacco products attribute to oral cancer. Chronic smoking causes permanent damage to the oral mucosal cells and results in micronuclei (MN) formation. Aims and Objectives: The present study design was to assess the MN number in different locations of the oral cavity and to assess the damaging effects in patients who smoke and those who had left the habit recently. Materials and Methods: Three groups were included in the study. The first group included smokers; the second group included those who recently quit the smoking habit; and the third group included those without habit. Cytosmears were taken and stained with rapid Papanicolaou. MN were observed using a polarized light microscope. Results: Mean values of MN were observed more in the buccal mucosa, followed by lower labial mucosa and floor of the mouth. A significant increase in MN was observed in smokers group, a significant decrease in recently quit habit group and no MN observed in the control group. Conclusion: The genotoxic effects of tobacco smoke cause MN, and the counts can be used as a non-invasive early diagnostic tool. This finding was important in using MN detection in various areas of the mouth and a prognostic indicator to determine smoking cessation.