Snuff-induced lesions in Finnish recruits

Snuff-induced lesions from 21 snuff users were studied clinically, histologically and by electron microscopy. Clinically most lesions appeared coarsely wrinkled, grayish white and slightly elevated. All lesions were found in the upper vestibular area. Histologically, epithelial thickening, acanthosis, vacuolation of surface cells and a slight subepithelial inflammatory reaction were seen. The electron microscopic findings revealed an intact basement lamina, increased tonofilament concentration moving up towards the surface of the epithelium, widening of intercellular spaces in the spinous cell layer and partial keratinization of surface cells. The salivary flow of resting saliva showed a slightly significant increase compared to controls. That of stimulated saliva was not significantly increased among snuff users.