Evaluation of Collagen Morphology and Eosinophils in Different Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Hematoxylin and Eosin and Congo Red Stains – A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) exhibits dysplastic features in the epithelium and connective tissue which constitute tumor microenvironment. Eosinophils are granulocytic cells which impart inflammatory response and cell death, thereby producing a great role in the regulation and progression of tumors. The morphology of collagen fibers also varies on the progression of oral cancer. Aims The present study aims at evaluating collagen morphology and amount of eosinophil in different grades of OSCC using hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and Congo red stains. Settings and Design The present study includes histopathologically proven cases of 15 OSCC subclassified into five cases per each group. Subjects and Methods Both H and E and Congo red staining were done for five cases per grades of OSCC and viewed by two observers in zigzag pattern. Statistical Analysis Used Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA test and interobserver variability by kappa statistics. Results P < 0.001 was obtained based on the ANOVA test and P value of eosinophils among different grades was statistically significant. Conclusions The present study concludes that stroma will change from dense to loose and increase in number of eosinophils as carcinoma progresses.

Keywords

• collagen
• congo red
• eosinophils
• oral squamous cell carcinoma