Cytogenetic abnormalities in exfoliated oral mucosal cells and their association with oral cancer.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess cytogenetic abnormalities through quantification of micronuclei, broken eggs, and karyorrhexis, in cells from normal oral mucosa of individuals exposed to carcinogens (alcohol and tobacco) and adjacent to leukoplakias and squamous cell carcinomas.
STUDY DESIGN
The sample was composed of 40 subjects aged > 30 years, divided into four groups: control, alcohol/tobacco, leukoplakia, and squamous cell carcinoma. For control and alcohol/tobacco groups, cells were collected from lower lip, tongue border, and floor of the mouth. For leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma groups, mucosa contralateral and adjacent to the lesions were analyzed. Cytologic smears were stained with the Feulgen reaction. A blind observer analyzed 1,000 cells per slide to quantify micronuclei, broken eggs, and karyorrhexis.
RESULTS
The leukoplakia group showed an increased number of micronuclei compared to controls (p = 0.0016) and the alcohol/tobacco group (p = 0.0048) and also increased broken eggs compared to the alcohol/tobacco group (p = 0.0172). Similarly, the carcinoma group presented more micronuclei compared to controls (p = 0.0462) and more broken eggs compared to the alcohol/tobacco group (p = 0.0104).
CONCLUSION
The assessment of cytogenetic abnormalities micronuclei and broken eggs may be useful for monitoring individuals exposed to risk factors for developing oral cancer.

Authors

Pellicioli AC, Visioli F, Ferreira LA, Danilevicz CK, Carrard VC, Rados PV

Institution

Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, RS, Brazil.

Source

Analytical and quantitative cytology and histology / the International Academy of Cytology [and] American Society of Cytology 33:5 2011 Oct pg 271-6

MeSH

Adult
Alcohol Drinking
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
Cell Nucleus
Chromosome Aberrations
Humans
Leukoplakia, Oral
Male
Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective
Micronucleus Tests
Mouth Mucosa
Mouth Neoplasms
Smoking

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22611754