Abstract:
This is a case/control study conducted in Khartoum state during
the period from April 2005 to July 2005 inclusive. The objective of the
study was to apply cytological methods to detect the presence of
cytological changes(atypia & inflammatory cells) in buccal mucosa,
of cigarette smokers.
The study assessed the cytological atypia among 50 cigarette
smokers (cases),and 50 non-tobacco users (controls).
Analysis of the smears identified atypia in 8 (8%) of the cases and
only one atypia was detected among control group. Among the cases,
3(3%) showed moderate atypia and 5(5%) mild atypia. Therefore,
cigarette smoking is a risk factor for occurrence of oral epithelial
atypia and this was found to be statistical significant
(P<0.004).
Furthermore, inflammatory infiltrate was frequently observed among
cases 8(8%), hence, only 2(2%) detected among controls.
Concerning cytological stains, Pap. stain showed optimum
results and appears to be superior to Harris haematoxyline.
Factor such as age, intensity and duration of cigarette smoking
should be considered, when assessing oral cytology.
Exfoliative cytology appears to be of a value in detection of pre-
malignant, malignant conditions and different types of inflammations as
well as benign degenerative changes. Cigarette smokers should be
undergo regular oral cytological screening programs.
We recommend the use of exfoliative cytology as screening
tool for different oral lesions.