Abstract
Aim: The most common malignancy of the oral cavity is squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for approximately 5% of all neoplasms. Unfortunately, the great majority of these tumors are diagnosed in stages which require surgery with radio- and chemo-therapy. These treatments affect not only the malignant cells but also the healthy tissues of the patient. Therefore, the present study was conducted to detect oral cytological atypia among oral squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Oral buccal mucosal cells were obtained from thirty cancer patients receiving radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy (ascertained as cases) and thirty cancer patients not exposed to either therapy (control) and stained with Papanicolaou stain. Pearson's Chi-square test was used for statistical significance. Results: Oral epithelial atypical features were detected in 28 patients out of 30 patients who received radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Atypia was not observed in the control group. Inflammatory infiltrate was identified in all the therapy-related cases. Conclusion: Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy induce variable degrees of atypical cytological changes. Radiotherapy, though a potent tool in cancer management, can unleash the surrounding normal tissues if used without caution.
Published Version
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 call