A Histomorphometric Analysis of Basal cells in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate objectively, the atypically appearing basal cell layer of oral lesions showing epithelial dysplastic features and compare it with normal buccal mucosa.

Materials and Methods: 30 cases from department archives were included and were divided into three groups: ten healthy controls, ten cases with low risk oral epithelial dysplasia and ten cases of high risk epithelial dysplasia. Ten fields were selected in each case and ten basal cells were selected in each field. Nine nuclear parameters were selected and assessed objectively and then compared statistically within the three groups using ANOVA test.

Results: The results indicated an increase in nuclear area with the grade of dysplasia, with the highest value found in the high-risk group. The mean aspect ratio also varied, with normal buccal mucosa showing significantly higher values compared to both low-risk and high-risk groups. A statistically significant difference was observed in the angle between the groups, with low-risk groups showing the highest angle and high-risk groups showing the lowest.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the increase in nuclear size, length from the superior border of the nucleus to basal side of cell membrane and length from the apex of the basal epithelial cells to the basement membrane and a marked reduction in aspect ratio in dysplasia strongly correlated with high-risk dysplasia.