Screening of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders Using Exfoliative Cytology: A Diagnostic Modality.

Arpita Kabiraj,Uday Ginjupally,Tanya Khaitan,Aritri Bir,Kushal Chatterjee,Debarati Bhowmick

doi:10.1155/2016/8134832

Abstract

Objective. Oral exfoliative cytology (OEC) has been implemented in the diagnosis of pathologic lesions for ages. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the cytomorphological features of some of the commonest potentially malignant disorders (leukoplakia, lichen planus, and oral submucous fibrosis) through a simple procedure and illustrate its importance in mass screening. Materials and Method. A total of 160 subjects with 25–50 years of age were included in the study. Among them, 40 were clinically diagnosed with oral leukoplakia, 40 were diagnosed with oral lichen planus, 40 were diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis, and 40 were in the control group. The prepared smears were subjected to Papanicolaou stain and analyzed microscopically for the evaluation of the cytomorphological features. Results and Discussion. When analyzed microscopically, 36 (90%) out of the 40 oral leukoplakic lesions showed Class II cytological features whereas 4 (10%) revealed Class I features. Among 40 patients with oral lichen planus, 26 (65%) showed Class II features while the remaining 14 (35%) revealed Class I features. In 40 subjects with oral submucous fibrosis, 32 (80%) showed Class II features while the other 8 (20%) showed Class I features. All the 40 control subjects showed Class I features. Thus, OEC can be widely advocated as an addition to clinical conclusion and an adjunct to biopsy.

Highlights

Oral mucosa exhibits a rapid turnover of cells and these exfoliated cells play an imperative role in diagnosis of potentially malignant disorders
40 were clinically diagnosed with oral leukoplakia, 40 with oral lichen planus, and 40 with oral submucous fibrosis. 40 subjects with no history of habits and no abnormal clinical features on examination were included in the control group
Oral mucosal lesions especially related to chewing and smoking of tobacco have led to the increased incidence and prevalence of potentially malignant and malignant disorders worldwide

Summary

Introduction

Oral mucosa exhibits a rapid turnover of cells and these exfoliated cells play an imperative role in diagnosis of potentially malignant disorders. Oral cavity reflects the various events occurring in the body which is revealed by the cytomorphological and nucleomorphological variations in these exfoliated cells [1]. Oral exfoliative cytology (OEC) is the microscopic examination of exfoliated cells from an epithelial surface. It is a simple, noninvasive, and sensitive staining technique used as an adjuvant for biopsy or in cases where biopsy is not feasible as well as mass screening [2]

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Results

Conclusion