BUCCAL CELL MICRONUCLEI AMONG PATIENTS WITH ORAL LEUKOPLAKIA

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Cytogenetics
• Diagnostic biomarkers

Background:

• Oral leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion with varying malignant transformation potential.
• Accurate diagnosis and risk stratification are crucial for effective management.
• Early detection of cellular changes can improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the micronucleus test in buccal cells for oral leukoplakia.
• To correlate micronucleus frequency with the severity of oral leukoplakia.
• To assess the potential of the micronucleus test as a biomarker for oral malignancy risk.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination of 155 oral leukoplakia patients.
• Histological examination of leukoplakia mucosal sites.
• Buccal epithelium cell micronucleus test performed on all participants.

Main Results:

• Histological evaluation classified lesions from hyperkeratosis to squamous cell carcinoma.
• Micronuclei were detected in oral leukoplakia patients, with significantly higher frequency in severe dysplasia (SIN2 and SIN3).
• A 1.3-fold increase in micronuclei was observed in SIN3 lesions compared to controls, indicating elevated malignancy risk.

Conclusions:

• The micronucleus test in buccal cells is an efficient diagnostic tool for oral leukoplakia.
• Increased micronuclei frequency correlates with hyperplasia and a higher likelihood of oral mucosa malignancy.
• This test can aid in identifying patients with oral leukoplakia at increased risk for cancer.