Comparative analysis of staining efficacy of Leishman's stain with hematoxylin and eosin stain in the assessment of keratin pearl formation and mitotic figures in different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Keratin is an intermediate protein that structures the cytoskeleton of all epithelial cells. Keratin pearl is present in various pathological conditions such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Mitotic figures can be used as a valuable tool in assessing cellular proliferation and act as a prognostic indicator in dysplasia and malignancy of the oral cavity. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Leishman's stain with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stain in assessing keratin pearls and mitotic figures. Materials and Methods: In total, 30 diagnosed cases of OSCC of three different histological grades were taken. In each case, two sections of 4–5-micron thickness were made and stained with routine H and E stain and Leishman's stain. Staining intensity and specificity results were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test and P = 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Both stains can distinguish three different types of OSCC histologically. Leishman's stain demonstrated staining intensity (P = 0.087) and specificity (P = 0.017) comparable to that of routine H and E. Conclusion: Leishman's stain distinctly stained the keratin pearl and mitotic figures with a higher intensity. However, H and E showed a higher specificity.

Keywords

• hematoxylin and eosin stain
• keratin pearl
• leishman's stain
• mitotic figures
• oral cancer