A Comparative Cytomorphometric Analysis of Buccal Mucosal Smears of Cigarette Smokers and Naswar (Nicotiana Tabaccum) Users

Abstract

Objective: To compare the cytomorphometric changes in buccal mucosal cells of cigarette smokers, naswar users and non-users/smokers. Study Design: Cross Sectional Comparative. Place and Duration of Study: PGMI, Lahore & Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad: between July 2013-January 2014. Materials and Methods: Cellular diameter CD, nuclear diameter ND and nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio N/C ratio were assessed in buccal smears taken with wooden spatula from clinically normal mucosa of smokers, naswar users and control group. The sample size was 99 male subjects of ages 15yrs-60yrs, divided into three groups (33 each group) i.e., M as control group, S as smoker group and N as naswar users' group. Slides were stained with three stains Hematoxylin and Eosin Stain, Giemsa Stain and Papanicolaou Stain. The data was collectedthrough random sampling. The cytomorphometric variables were measured by using stage and ocular micrometers. The cytopathological variables as inflammatory cells, mitotic figures, pleomorphism and hyperchromatism were also studied. The results were then statistically analyzed using SPSS version 18. Results: The mean cellular diameter of group M, S and N was 43.8μm, 54.3μm and 42.7μm respectively. The mean nuclear diameter of M, S and N was 9.97μm, 12.6μm and 11.8μm respectively. And the mean N/C ratio of group M, S and N was 1:4.4, 1:4.3and 1:3.5 respectively. Conclusion: The comparative changes assessed by this study depicts cause effect relationship with smoking and naswar use. Association of these changes with dysplasia or pre-malignancy needs further verification with the help of specific immune markers.

Keywords

• cytomorphometry, tobacco, naswar, oral neoplasms, smokers.