Detection of Cytomorphological Changes in Oral Mucosa among Alcoholic and Cigarette Smokers in Khartoum State

Abstract

This is a descriptive study, was conducted in Khartoum state during the period from November 2009 to May 2010. The study aimed at detecting the cytomorphological changes in buccal mucosa among alcoholic and cigarette smokers. Two hundred buccal smears were collected randomly from individuals (their ages ranged between 20 to 75 years) were continually drank alcohol and smoked cigarette for more than 5 years. The selected group was free of oral lesions and previous history of oral diseases. Of whom 50 individuals alcoholism, 50 individuals was cigarette smokers, 50 individuals used both cigarette and alcohol and the remaining 50 individuals were control. The smears were prepared, fixed and stained using Papanicolaou technique then examined under the light microscope. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS computer program. The cytological assessment among study group revealed the following findings; in the alcoholic group, atypical changes were detected in four (8%) individuals with significant relation to types and duration of alcohol consumption (P.value =0.041). Infections were detected in 16(32%) individuals with significant relation to alcohol abuse (P.value <0.01), which distributed as follows; coccal infections in (18%) and actinomyces infections in (14%). Hyperkeratosis was detected in five (10%) individuals. The remaining 25(50%) individuals were normal. In the smoker group, atypical changes were detected in six (12%) individuals with significant relation to duration of smoking/years and number of cigarettes/day (P.value <0.01). Infections were detected in 15(30%) individuals with significant relation to cigarette smoking (P.value <0.01), which distributed as follows; coccal infections in (18%) and actinomyces infections in (12%). Hyperkeratosis was detected in seven (14%) individuals. The remaining 22(44%) individuals were normal. In both cigarette and alcohol abuse group, atypical changes were detected in seven (14%) individuals with significant relation to cigarette and alcohol abuse (P.value <0.01). Infections were detected in 27(54%) individuals with significant relation to cigarette and alcohol abuse (P.value <0.01), which distributed as follows; coccal infections in (32%) and actinomyces infections in (16%), human papilloma virus (HPV) infections in (4%), monilia infections in (2%). Hyperkeratosis was detected in ten (20%) individuals. The remaining six (12%) individuals were normal. As a conclusion of this study, alcohol and cigarette abuse are a risk factors for oral atypical changes and infections, and there was a risk gradient with increasing intake and longer duration of cigarette and alcohol consumption.