Nuclear Morphometric Parameters Research Articles

Development and validation of betel-year: a clinical tool for quantifying exposure to betel quid chewing, utilizing nuclear morphometric analysis and validated by cytomorphological analysis

BackgroundBetel quid chewing, prevalent in Southeast Asia and South Asia, involves components such as betel leaf, areca nut, slaked lime, and sometimes tobacco. This study aims to assess buccal mucosa changes in betel quid chewers, develop a clinical tool for assessing exposure, and investigate its usability in predicting dysplasia.MethodsAfter obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, patients were recruited from the Out-Patient Department of Government Medical College, Omandurar, Government Estate, India. A target sample size of 200 was calculated. The data included the history of betel quid chewing, buccal mucosa cells obtained by oral cytology, and the severity of dysplasia of the slides assessed by pathologists. We utilized principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to validate a new outcome variable reflecting nuclear morphometric parameters (NMPs). Multiplicative regression models were developed for betel years based on betel exposure and additives. Spearman correlation and Kruskal-Wallis test was used to check the association between betel years and dysplasia.ResultsSignificant differences in NMPs were observed among different betel chewing groups. We derived multiplicative regression models for betel years. In the logarithmic transformation approach, betel year = 0.05×betel-exposure×0.09×slaked-lime use×0.11×tobacco-use. In the original variable approach, betel year = 5.05×betel-exposure^0.00048×slaked-lime-use^0.18133×tobacco-use^1.47513. Spearman correlation and Kruskal–Wallis tests confirmed associations with dysplasia.ConclusionBetel year is a pioneering tool for assessing lifetime betel quid exposure, similar to pack years for smoking. It could aid in risk stratification, targeted interventions and shaping public health policies. Despite limitations, betel year holds promise for revolutionizing oral health risk assessment, and future research can expand its scope globally, considering diverse betel quid compositions.

Evaluation of nuclear morphometry in exfoliative cytology of buccal mucosa in patients with high risk of oral cancer

BackgroundOral cancer poses a significant global health burden, with India having the highest prevalence. Effective detection is crucial in effective prevention. This study aimed to evaluate nuclear morphometric parameters (NMPs) in buccal mucosa cells of smokers, correlate NMPs with dysplasia, establish cut off values for grading dysplasia, and investigate the relationship between NMPs and smoking. MethodsAfter obtaining ethical approval and informed consent, patients were recruited from the outpatient department of our institution. A target sample size of 250 was calculated. The data included smoking exposure quantified in pack-years, nuclear morphometric analysis (NMA) of buccal mucosa cells obtained through oral cytology using Image J, and the severity of dysplasia of the slides assessed by pathologists. Statistical analysis assessed the impact of dysplasia and the association between nuclear characteristics and smoking exposure. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots determined the potential of these parameters to distinguish dysplasia levels. ResultsSignificant differences in NMPs were observed among different smoking groups. Dysplasia severity had a significant correlation with NMPs, and strong correlations were found between NMPs and lifetime smoking exposure. ROC analysis established cut off values for NMPs with good sensitivity and specificity for classifying dysplasia severity. ConclusionsThis study highlights the potential of NMA as a tool for oral cancer screening. NMPs can distinguish dysplasia severity and correlate with tobacco (smoking). The efficiency of NMA in a non-invasive oral cytology offers promise for patient-centered screening Additionally, the findings suggest future applications in telepathology and the potential for AI integration in automated screening after conducting multicentric large-scale studies.

Abstract 1817: Association of nuclear morphometrical variables with drug cytotoxicity: A proof of principle using NCI-60 anti-cancer drug screening panel

Abstract The National Cancer Institute’s panel of 60 cancer cell lines (NCI-60) have been extensively used to screen compounds for anti-cancer activity in a wide range of molecular and pharmacologic assays. We completed a detailed analysis of the nuclear morphometric variables of 57 cancer cell lines from this drug-discovery panel using recently developed computerized method that allows simultaneously assess 42 variables related to morphology/texture of the cell nuclei. The goal of this study was to determine whether unique nuclear patterns seen in cancer cells can effectively predict response to anti-cancer therapies. Stained sections prepared from paraffin cell blocks were used to measure each cell nucleus by size (e.g. area, perimeters); by shape (e.g. area box, fractal dimensions, roundness); and by optical density of the pixels and texture (e.g. margination, heterogeneity). The obtained values were then summarized at the cell line level, generating a dataset comprising 84 variables, represented by mean values and coefficients of variation. We filtered the complete set of chemical compounds, tested on the NCI-60 panel, based on sufficient GI50 variability, narrowing the list down to 4,839 compounds. These compounds were further refined using the Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) method at 1% FDR, based on the p-values from “goodness of fit” tests. This process identified 1,314 compounds where the inclusion of morphometric variables significantly improved the fit of our models. To determine which variables were highly predictive for GI50 in each compound, we performed lasso regression per compound of logged GI50 versus dummied tissue of origin and morphometric variables. We tabulated the proportion of compound models selecting each variable as well as the median relative strength for each variable. This procedure identified 10 promising compound models, in which the top 5 values of relative strength from each of the tested variables emerged. Our primary objective in this analysis was to find associations between certain nuclear morphometric parameters of tumors cells and drug sensitivity. Better defining how to use these previously untapped clues may pave the way for future studies able to predict sensitivity to cancer drugs and to help in the selection of the best anticancer treatments. Additionally, our work may draw new attention to compounds not now used for anticancer treatments, but whose increased cytotoxicity can be linked to abnormal morphometric parameters that indicate possible anti-tumor activity. Citation Format: Geula Klorin, Luz María Rodríguez, Edmond Sabo, Grant Izmirlian, Amnon Amit, Paul Meltzer, Anna Roschke. Association of nuclear morphometrical variables with drug cytotoxicity: A proof of principle using NCI-60 anti-cancer drug screening panel [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 1817.

Bcl-2 expression and image analysis of premalignant and malignant colonic lesions

Background/aim Colorectal cancer is the third malignancy worldwide with high mortality. The development of colorectal carcinoma is a multiple step process that turns normal cells into malignant ones. One of these steps is inhibiting apoptosis. Bcl-2 is the key regulators of apoptosis and thus inhibits programmed cell death. The relationship between cell death and cell proliferation is balanced through apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate immunohistochemical bcl-2 expression, nuclear morphometric parameters, and cell cycle values in premalignant and malignant colon lesions. Material and methods Sixty colonic paraffin blocks (10 normal mucosa, 20 adenomas, and 30 carcinomas) from private laboratories and the Pathology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, were included in this study. Bcl-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Nuclear morphometric parameters and cell cycle values were studied using an image analysis system. Results Immunohistochemical results showed expression of bcl-2 in the lower half of normal colonic crypts. Bcl-2 positivity was detected in 53% of carcinomas and 85% of adenomas with significant difference. The percentage of bcl-2 positive cells in carcinomas was significantly decreased with increasing grades. In carcinomas, nuclear area showed significant increase with increasing grades. Nuclear area showed significant difference between high-grade dysplastic adenomas and carcinomas. Carcinomas showed high proportion of aneuploid cells with significant difference than adenomas. Inverse correlation was detected between aneuploidy and bcl-2 positivity. Conclusion Bcl-2 protein has a role in early event of colorectal carcinogenesis. The acceptable reliability of immunohistochemical, nuclear area, and cell cycle analysis may serve as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in benign and malignant colorectal lesions.

Morphometric study in thyroid tumors.

Various morphonuclear studies using digital image analysis have been taken into account in order to establish the malignancy of thyroid lesions based on their size and on the chromatographic characteristics of tumor cell nuclei. Nuclear morphometry involves the measurement of nuclear parameters to obtain diagnostically important information in an objective and reproducible manner. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the detailed morphometric analysis of histopathological preparations with lesions of the thyroid gland and to investigate its role in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid lesions. The present study included 10 benign and 26 malignant thyroid cases with different selected thyroid lesions. Using a microscope connected to a computerized video system, nuclear morphometric parameters including the nuclear area, perimeter, average intensity, red average, width and roundness, were measured and analyzed. The main parameters used in the statistical calculation were significant in distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid lesions. The association of morphometry in cytological smears for suspected malignant follicular lesions led to increased accuracy in establishing a suspicious malignant diagnosis for follicular lesions. Nuclear morphometry provides an unbiased point of view that increases diagnosis accuracy. Computerized morphometry can positively influence diagnostic accuracy, allowing for a better correlation with clinical and imaging data.

Nuclear and Nucleolar Morphometric Changes in MGP Stained Oral Epithelial Cells In Cigarette Smokers and Non Smokers

Aim: To compare nuclear and nucleolar morphometric changes in methyl green pyronin stained oral epithelial cells in cigarette smokers, passive smokers and non smokers Study design: A comparative cross sectional study Place and duration: Carried out in Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore. Duration was 6 months, March 2022 to August 2022. Methods: 120 subjects were equally divided into three main groups, cigarette smokers, passive smokers and non smokers, each fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Buccal smears were collected by exfoliative cytology of mucosa and then stained by methyl green pyronin stain. The quantitative nuclear morphometric parameters i.e., nuclear and nucleolar diameter and area, and number of nucleoli, were measured. Results: Themedian of all nuclear parameters of smokers was significantly higher as compared to passive smokers and non-smokers in MGP stain (p ≤ 0.05). Further, effect of duration of smoking on morphometric variables showed significant (p< 0.05) results amongst the smokers in MGP stain. However, no significant differences were seen in all morphometric parameters with respect to frequency of cigarette smoking. Conclusion: The study confirms nuclear morphometric changes in oral epithelial cells of cigarette smokers indicating that smoking does influence cellular alterations. The simplicity of cytology technique with the use of methyl green pyronin stain is valuable screening tool for detecting early oral mucosal changes in high risk patients. Keywords: smoking, exfoliative cytology, nuclear morphometric parameters, methyl green pyronin stain.

Significance of Nuclear Morphometry in Salivary Gland Neoplasms: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is one of the commonest and most efficient investigation done for salivary gland swellings, which is of much help in diagnosing inflammatory, benign and malignant lesions. The morphology of nucleus determines the behaviour of the cell/tissue as benign or malignant. Nuclear morphometry analysis is done by using various software. Aim: To determine the nuclear morphometry parameters in salivary gland neoplasm of FNAC smears by Image J software and to determine its association with the cytological diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective laboratory observational cross-sectional study done for four years (2018- 2021) at a tertiary healthcare centre, attached to Sri DevarajUrs Medical College, Kolar, Karnataka, India. All the FNAC smears of salivary gland neoplasms were considered and classified by cytomorphology as benign and malignant tumours. All smears were analysed using Image J software for nuclear morphometric parameters such as area of the nucleus, perimeter of the nucleus, feret diameter, minimum ferret and skewness. The nuclear morphometric findings of benign and malignant tumours were compared and statistical analysis was doneby using Student’s t-test, p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 52 cases were studied. The average age of presentation of benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasm was 38.7 and 49.4 years, respectively. Among, 30 (57.6%) benign neoplasms there were 23 (76.7%), pleomorphic adenoma was the commonest and among 22 (42.4%) malignant squamous cell carcinoma 16 (72.7%) deposits was the commonest. The nuclear morphometry analysis showed that the mean values of area (p-value ≤0.001), perimeter (p-value≤0.001), ferret diameter (p-value≤0.001) and minimum ferret (p-value=0.001) of malignant lesions were comparatively higher than benign and was statistically significant. Conclusion: Nuclear morphometry along with routine cytopathological evaluation will improve the accuracy of diagnosis of neoplastic lesions of salivary gland. This information can be used to plan better treatment and predict prognosis of the disease. Digital morphological analysis helps in obtaining quantitative values from qualitative data which can be utilised further for automation.

Correlation of Gleason Grading System and Nuclear Parameters by Nuclear Morphometry in Patients of Prostatic Adenocarcinoma: A Study Protocol

Background: Adenocarcinoma prostate is one of the significant causes of death in men. The Gleason Grading System is the most commonly used mortality to assess the degree, yet, identical results among blinded pathologists are challenging to obtain and hence come down to an unobjectionable result.
 Aim and Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between histopathologically obtained Gleason’s Grading Score and various nuclear morphometric parameters using a computer-aided system in Prostatic Adenocarcinomas.
 Methods: A series of 31 new and histopathologically diagnosed cases of adenocarcinoma prostate will be taken over one year, and the following nuclear morphometric parameters will be studied: mean nuclear area, mean nuclear length, mean nuclear perimeter, mean nuclear roundness factor, mean nuclear area factor and mean nuclear form ellipse. These individual parameters will be correlated with the Gleason Score of the individual cases.
 Expected Outcome: The present study expects the nuclear atypia to be more in cases with a higher Gleason Score and avoid the inter-observer contradictions in diagnosis. It can be used as a tool to quantify the aggression of the malignancy and, thus, assess disease progression and prescribe a justifiable management protocol. Nuclear morphometrical analysis can be a more accurate, objective, and effective method in the diagnostic and prognostic significance of prostate adenocarcinoma.

Correlation of Nuclear Morphometry with Clinicopathologic Parameters in Malignant Breast Aspirates.

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to correlate nuclear morphometric parameters with clinicopathologic features such as cytologic grade, tumor size, lymph node status, mitotic index, and histopathologic grade. Secondary objective was to quantify nuclear changes on malignant breast aspirates using morphometry. Material and Methods Forty-five cases of carcinoma breast diagnosed on cytology were included in this study. These were graded into cytologic grades 1, 2, and 3 as per Robinson’s cytologic grading system. Nuclear morphometry was done in all cases on smears stained with Papanicolaou stain.Clinicopathologic parameters including cytological grade, tumor size, lymph node status, mitotic count, and histological grade were correlated with nuclear morphometric parameters, namely, area, perimeter, shape, long axis, short axis, intensity, long-run emphasis, total run length, and T1 homogeneity.Results There were 9 cases in cytologic grade 1, 26 in grade 2, and 10 cases in cytologic grade 3. Histopathology showed 42 cases of infiltrating duct carcinoma, not otherwise specified (IDC, NOS) and 3 cases (6.7%) of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). IDC (NOS) included 6, 27, and 9 cases in grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Majority of our cases had a tumor size less than 5 cm ( n = 38, 84.4%) and had positive nodes ( n = 30, 66.7%). Correlation of cytologic and histopathologic grades (including DCIS) with all morphometric features except long-run emphasis was statistically significant. Correlation of morphometry with tumor size yielded significant results for nuclear area, perimeter, long and short axes, and intensity with p < 0.05. Study of lymph node status (positive/negative) versus morphometry showed a highly significant statistical association with all the geometric as well as textural parameters. Mitotic count was significantly associated with all the geometric parameters and one textural parameter (total run length). Statistics Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation and compared using the two-tailed, independent sample t -test and one-way analysis of variance test. Tests were performed at significance level of 0.05. Conclusion Morphometry is an objective technique which holds immense promise in prognostication in breast carcinoma.

Qualitative and quantitative cytomorphological features of primary anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive lung cancer.

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) positive (+) lung cancers are predictive for response to crizotinib and alectinib. There are many cases of lung cancer in which surgery cannot be performed, and such cases require diagnosis by cytological specimen or biopsy. Estimating ALK (+) lung cancer from cytomorphology would allow molecular testing to proceed without the waste of a small amount of specimen. The purpose of this study was to assess whether qualitative and quantitative cytomorphological features are sufficient for distinguishing primary ALK (+) from ALK (-) lung cancer. We examined eight qualitative cytomorphological parameters and three quantitative nuclear morphometric parameters in 17 cases of primary ALK (+) lung cancer, diagnosed by fluorescence insitu hybridisation (FISH) using histological specimens, and in 41 cases of ALK (-) lung cancer. Quantitative nuclear morphometric parameters were analysed by a computer-assisted image analysis system. In ALK (+) lung cancer, three qualitative parameters (signet ring cells, nuclear grooves and single type nucleoli) and two quantitative parameters (large nuclear area and irregular nuclear shape) were observed in significantly higher proportions. However, in ALK (-) lung cancer, one qualitative parameter (unclear and multiple type nucleoli) was seen significantly more often. These results show that the cytomorphological features of signet ring cells, nuclear grooves and nucleoli shape can help to triage a small amount of cytological and biopsy specimens for appropriate molecular testing of primary ALK (+) lung cancer.

Potential of the ImageJ software in the differentiation of various types of canine lymphadenopathies with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)

This study was designed to evaluate the potential of the ImageJ software in the differentiation of various types of lymphadenopathies with fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). For this purpose, the samples of enlarged mandibular lymph node were selected from 46 dogs suspected of lymphadenopathy and 10 healthy dogs as a control. The target tissues were obtained from the animals by fine needle aspiration and lymph node removed by surgery. The samples were then prepared for cytological and histological study. Finally, the ImageJ software was used to evaluate the quantitative nuclear morphometric parameters. The data obtained from nuclear parameters (diameter, circularity, area, and perimeter) revealed a significant difference between the control group and the hyperplasia and lymphoma groups. There is also a significant difference between the lymphoma and hyperplasia groups (P < 0.05). These results indicated that cytology is a fast, easy, and cost-effective method for the diagnosis of lymph node lesions and cytomorphologic assessment by image analysis software can increase the diagnostic accuracy.

Morphometric analysis and immunohistochemical expression of cytochrome C oxidase in colonic adenomas and adenocarcinomas

Background/aim Colorectal cancer is the seventh most common cancer in Egypt, constituting 3.47% of male cancers and 3% of female cancers. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of cytochrome C oxidase (CcO) as well as the nuclear morphometric measurements in colonic adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Materials and methods Sixty cases of colonic biopsies/specimens were involved in this study. The samples were received in the Department of Pathology of Kasr El-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt, and they were divided into three groups: 20 cases of normal control, 20 cases of colonic adenoma, and 20 cases of colonic adenocarcinoma. The expression of CcO was studied by immunohistochemistry in 60 formalin-fixed paraffin blocks. Nuclear morphometric parameters were evaluated using an image analysis system. The area percentage of the marker expression was correlated with nuclear morphometric parameters. Results Immunohistochemical study showed that 65% of control biopsies showed a significant difference with colonic adenocarcinoma cases in contrast and adenoma cases showed a nonsignificant difference with normal control biopsies. Mean areas percentages of CcO expression were significantly different between all three studied groups. The means of nuclear area, length, and perimeter showed a significant difference while means nuclear width and roundness showed a nonsignificant difference between all three studied groups. There was significant correlation between mean area percentage of CcO expression with mean nuclear area and perimeter in control, adenoma, and adenocarcinoma cases. Conclusion CcO protein is significantly expressed in the cytoplasm of normal colonic mucosa. It was significantly deficient in colonic adenocarcinoma. Nuclear morphometry can be introduced as a useful morphologic feature of patients with variable colonic lesions specially in combination with CcO.

Role of Nuclear Morphometry in Breast Cancer and its Correlation with Cytomorphological Grading of Breast Cancer: A Study of 64 Cases.

Background:Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, rapid, inexpensive, and reliable method of diagnosis of breast mass. Cytoprognostic grading in breast cancers is important to identify high-grade tumors. Computer-assisted image morphometric analysis has been developed to quantitate as well as standardize various grading systems.Aims:To apply nuclear morphometry on cytological aspirates of breast cancer and evaluate its correlation with cytomorphological grading with derivation of suitable cutoff values between various grades.Settings and Designs:Descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study.Materials and Methods:This study included 64 breast cancer cases (29 of grade 1, 22 of grade 2, and 13 of grade 3). Image analysis was performed on Papanicolaou stained FNAC slides by NIS –Elements Advanced Research software (Ver 4.00). Nuclear morphometric parameters analyzed included 5 nuclear size, 2 shape, 4 texture, and 2 density parameters.Results:Nuclear size parameters showed an increase in values with increasing cytological grades of carcinoma. Nuclear shape parameters were not found to be significantly different between the three grades. Among nuclear texture parameters, sum intensity, and sum brightness were found to be different between the three grades.Conclusion:Nuclear morphometry can be applied to augment the cytology grading of breast cancer and thus help in classifying patients into low and high-risk groups.

Nuclear morphometry in histological specimens of canine prostate cancer: Correlation with histological subtypes, Gleason score, methods of collection and survival time

Ten normal prostates, 22 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 29 prostate cancer (PC) were morphometrically analyzed with regard to mean nuclear area (MNA), mean nuclear perimeter (MNP), mean nuclear diameter (MND), coefficient of variation of the nuclear area (NACV), mean nuclear diameter maximum (MDx), mean nuclear diameter minimum (MDm), mean nuclear form ellipse (MNFe) and form factor (FF). The relationship between nuclear morphometric parameters and histological type, Gleason score, methods of sample collection, presence of metastases and survival time of canine PC were also investigated. Overall, nuclei from neoplastic cells were larger, with greater variation in nuclear size and shape compared to normal and hyperplastic cells. Significant differences were found between more (small acinar/ductal) and less (cribriform, solid) differentiated PCs with regard to FF (p<0.05). MNA, MNP, MND, MDx, and MDm were significantly correlated with the Gleason score of PC (p<0.05). MNA, MNP, MDx and MNFe may also have important prognostic implications in canine prostatic cancer since negatively correlated with the survival time. Biopsy specimens contained nuclei that were smaller and more irregular in comparison to those in prostatectomy and necropsy specimens and therefore factors associated with tissue sampling and processing may influence the overall morphometric evaluation.The results indicate that nuclear morphometric analysis in combination with Gleason score can help in canine prostate cancer grading, thus contributing to the establishment of a more precise prognosis and patient's management.

Evaluation of Nuclear Morphometry in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study

ABSTRACT Aim To evaluate and compare various nuclear morphometric parameters in different histopathological grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by using computerized image analysis and also to correlate it with regional lymph node metastasis. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted on paraffin blocks of 40 tissue specimens of OSCC cases treated with neck dissection, which were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Mahatma Gandhi Mission’s Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, India. All cases were histopathologically graded as well, moderately, and poorly differentiated OSCC. Further, they were also categorized based on pathological lymph node status as with or without lymph node metastasis. Sections from tumor proper were subjected to Feulgen nuclear staining technique. Images of 10 microscopic fields at the deepest invading part of tumor were captured randomly and 100 nuclei of tumor cells with clear, complete, nonoverlapping outlines were selected in each case. Nuclear morphometric parameters, such as large diameter, small diameter, nuclear area, and nuclear perimeter were measured for each of the 100 cells. Results An increase in mean nuclear area coefficient of variation (NACV) was observed in OSCC cases with lymph node metastasis pN(+) than in those without lymph node metastasis pN(–), (p = 0.67). A significant increase in nuclear area and perimeter was observed in pN(+) cases (p &lt; 0.01). A significant decrease in circular rate and increase in largest to smallest nuclear diameter (L/S) ratio (p &lt; 0.01) was observed in pN(+) cases. On comparing the nuclear morphometric parameters with different histopathological grades of OSCC, we found an increase in mean NACV values from well-differentiated OSCC to moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated OSCC (p = 0.612). An increase in mean nuclear area and perimeter was noted as grades of OSCC advanced (p &gt; 0.01). The mean circular rate was found to be lowest in poorly differentiated OSCC (p = 0.362). A significant increase in mean L/S ratio was observed within different histopathological grades of OSCC (p = 0.044), which when further confirmed using least significant difference (LSD) post hoc test, indicated a difference only between well-differentiated and poorly differentiated cases of OSCC (p = 0.132). Conclusion Our observations reveal that tumor cells with greater nuclear dimension and more elliptical shape tend to show increased incidence of nodal metastasis. Also, a positive inclination was observed in nuclear size and shape with increasing histopathological grades of OSCC. However, our data warrant a large-scale study to establish nuclear morphometry as a quantitative objective parameter and also for the rational application of the same. How to cite this article Narayanan N, Pathak J, Patel S, Swain N. Evaluation of Nuclear Morphometry in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study. J Contemp Dent 2017;7(2):107-113.

Role of morphometry in the cytological differentiation of benign and malignant thyroid lesions.

Context:Thyroid nodules represent a common problem, with an estimated prevalence of 4–7%. Although fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been accepted as a first line diagnostic test, the rate of false negative reports of malignancy is still high. Nuclear morphometry is the measurement of nuclear parameters by image analysis. Image analysis can merge the advantages of morphologic interpretation with those of quantitative data.Aims:To evaluate the nuclear morphometric parameters in fine needle aspirates of thyroid lesions and to study its role in differentiating benign from malignant thyroid lesions.Material and Methods:The study included 19 benign and 16 malignant thyroid lesions. Image analysis was performed on Giemsa-stained FNAC slides by Nikon NIS-Elements Advanced Research software (Version 4.00). Nuclear morphometric parameters analyzed included nuclear size, shape, texture, and density parameters.Statistical Analysis:Normally distributed continuous variables were compared using the unpaired t-test for two groups and analysis of variance was used for three or more groups. Tukey or Tamhane's T2 multiple comparison test was used to assess the differences between the individual groups. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi square test.Results and Conclusion:Five out of the six nuclear size parameters as well as all the texture and density parameters studied were significant in distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid lesions (P < 0.05). Cut-off values were derived to differentiate between benign and malignant cases.

Study of nuclear morphometry on cytology specimens of benign and malignant breast lesions: A study of 122 cases.

Background:Breast cancer has emerged as a leading site of cancer among women in India. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has been routinely applied in assessment of breast lesions. Cytological evaluation in breast lesions is subjective with a “gray zone” of 6.9–20%. Quantitative evaluation of nuclear size, shape, texture, and density parameters by morphometry can be of diagnostic help in breast tumor.Aims:To apply nuclear morphometry on cytological breast aspirates and assess its role in differentiating between benign and malignant breast lesions with derivation of suitable cut-off values between the two groups.Settings and Designs:The present study was a descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study of nuclear morphometric parameters of benign and malignant cases.Materials and Methods:The study included 50 benign breast disease (BBD), 8 atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), and 64 carcinoma cases. Image analysis was performed on Papanicolaou-stained FNAC slides by Nikon Imaging Software (NIS)–Elements Advanced Research software (Version 4.00). Nuclear morphometric parameters analyzed included 5 nuclear size, 2 shape, 4 texture, and 2 density parameters.Results:Nuclear morphometry could differentiate between benign and malignant aspirates with a gradually increasing nuclear size parameters from BBD to ADH to carcinoma. Cut-off values of 31.93 μm2, 6.325 μm, 5.865 μm, 7.855 μm, and 21.55 μm for mean nuclear area, equivalent diameter, minimum feret, maximum ferret, and perimeter, respectively, were derived between benign and malignant cases, which could correctly classify 7 out of 8 ADH cases.Conclusion:Nuclear morphometry is a highly objective tool that could be used to supplement FNAC in differentiating benign from malignant lesions, with an important role in cases with diagnostic dilemma.

Morphometric and DNA Image Analysis of Endometrial Hyperplasia and Carcinoma.

Endometrial hyperplasia is believed to increase the risk of endometrial carcinoma and represents a spectrum of morphologic and biological alterations of endometrial glands and stroma ranging from an exaggerated physiological state to carcinoma in situ. Considering the overlap between the various entities, it is not surprising that the morphologic assessment of endometrial lesions is particularly challenging. This work aimed to evaluate endometrial lesions according to their nuclear and glandular morphometric parameters, their D score, and their DNA ploidy, which help in making an accurate diagnosis. In this study, 50 endometrial biopsy specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for their histopathologic and morphometric study and Feulgen stain for DNA analysis. The cases were classified into 20 cases of simple hyperplasia, 10 cases of atypical hyperplasia, and 20 cases of endometrial carcinoma. Morphometric analysis of nuclear, glandular, and stromal parameters was performed using the Leica Qwin 500 image analysis system. In the studied cases, a significant difference was found in the mean values of the morphometrical parameters of endometrial lesions, including the nuclear area and the nuclear roundness, and all glandular measurements including their complexity, area, volume percentage of stroma, and D score were significantly different. The DNA index and diploid and aneuploid values could differentiate significantly between endometrial lesions. We conclude that nuclear morphometric evaluation of the hyperplastic and carcinomatous endometrium may be used as an ancillary technique in the diagnosis of atypical changes occurring in precancerous endometrial lesions. In addition, DNA and D score assessment may be a reproducible and accurate predictor of the outcome of endometrial hyperplasia and may add some objective criteria for the correct diagnosis of difficult cases.

Diagnostic application of computerised nuclear morphometric image analysis in fine needle aspirates of breast lesions

Background: Alterations in nuclear structure are the indications of cancer diagnosis. This study has thus focused on variation in nuclear morphometry in breast lesions. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare morphometric characteristics of different types of breast lesions and evaluate its utility in differentiating benign against malignant. Study Design: Sixty fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of ethanol fixed samples were obtained and stained with Papanicolou stain. All diagnoses reported were confirmed histopathologically. Nuclear morphometric parameters for free cells in smears were calculated using the ImageJ 1.47 morphometric computer software. Result: The nuclear morphometric parameters including mean nuclear area, perimeter, diameter, long axis, and short axis were found to be statistically significant (ANOVA, P < 0.0001) in differentiating benign and malignant breast aspirates. Conclusion: Nuclear morphometry has been found to be a valuable objective method in differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions, especially in the grey zones, when diagnostic dilemmas are encountered. This study results demonstrate that the size-related parameters (area, perimeter, diameter, long, and short axes) of the nucleus are the most appropriate nuclear morphometric parameters for differentiating between benign lesions and infiltrative ductal carcinoma of the breast.

In Silico Analyses Reveals Nuclear Asymmetry of Spongiocytes and Compact Cells of Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone-Independent Macronodular Adrenocortical Hyperplasia

BackgroundLittle information is available about the risk of progression of seemingly benign adrenocortical hyperplasias to carcinomatous conditions. Using in silico approaches of digitally archived tissue sections, the nuclear morphometric parameters were compared to assess nuclear asymmetry as an index for nuclear atypia. MethodsFour groups of nuclei were used for the current study: spongiocytes and compact cells obtained from adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent macronodular hyperplasia, which were hypothesized to be high risk for nuclear asymmetry, and primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease and micronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia samples were used as internal controls. ResultsAnalyses reveal high nuclear irregularity index of spongiocytes and shape factor abnormalities of both spongiocytes and compact cells of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia compared with the other 2 groups (high F values and very low P values after analyses of variances), thus confirming the hypothesis that ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia present with subtle morphometric features of nuclear atypia. ConclusionsThis probably puts this class of adrenocortical tumors at risk of dysplastic progression, and more studies are needed to test the hypothesis.