Volume : 8, Issue : 5, May - 2019

PRO-INFLAMMATORY ACTION OF INCREASED MAST CELLS NUMBER IN ORAL LICHEN PLANUS AND ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA. A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION.

Dr. Jazib Nazeer, Dr. Soumen Mandal, Dr. Tanoj Kumar

Abstract :

Introduction: Oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are the commonly occurring oral diseases. These diseases at some stage are associated with chronic inflammation in adjacent connective tissue. Mast cells are the local residents of the connective tissue, and are said to be pro-inflammatory and immunoamplifying in action. These functions of mast cells may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of other oral diseases. Aims: This study was done to histologically evaluate the number of mast cells in tissue sections of oral lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma. Materials and Methods: 20 cases each of normal oral mucosa, oral lichen planus and squamous cell carcinoma were studied for mast cell number using 1% Toluidine blue. Results: Increase in mast cell number was seen in all the above mentioned oral diseases, with the highest mast cell count obtained in oral lichen planus. The mast cell number/sq.mm in oral lichen planus, squamous cell carcinoma were; 59.75 and 56.75 respectively. Conclusion: As compared to normal oral mucosa, increase in the mast cell number was noted in both the conditions. Mast cell hyperplasia in OLP, OSCC suggests their probable role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.