Cytomorphometry in Oral Lesions - An Objective Approach to Cytological Diagnosis

Objectives: The present study focusses on cytomorphological evaluation of the scrapings and cytological appearance of a spectrum of lesions of the oral cavity, Morphometric nuclear and cytoplasmic parameters were used to distinguish between benign, premalignant and malignant lesions. Material and Methods: The samples were obtained by scraping the lesion firmly till tiny pin point bleeding points were seen to ensure adequate sampling. Adequate sampling was defined as 50 cells consisting of transepithelial cytology specimen (superficial, intermediate and basal cells). Results: A total of 80 patients were evaluated with predominance in males and mean age of presentation was 45.05± 12.8 years. Cytomorphomteric analysis revealed an increasing trend in nuclear parameters as the spectrum of oral lesion moved from benign to malignant category while a decline was observed in cellular parameters. A significant p value of <0.0001 was found between cytomorphometrical parameters and histopathological subtypes. Sensitivity and specificity of conventional exfoliative cytology in conjunction with cytomorphometry was 100% and 94.74% respectively. Negative predictive value and positive predictive value of cytology for malignant lesions was 100% and 93.75% respectively. Diagnostic accuracy of cytology in predicting malignancy taking histopathology as gold standard was 97.0. Conclusion: Grading and scoring of oral cytosmears according to morphology showed a positive correlation with histopathological diagnosis. In addition, cytomorphometry increases the diagnostic accuracy of oral conventional exfoliative cytology and hence is seen to have an impact on early detection of cellular alterations and prompt treatment. Therefore, it is a sensitive and useful adjunct to monitor the cellular transformation.