Epithelial and Connective Tissue Changes in Oral Submucous Fibrosis ?? A Morphometric Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) is a common oral health problem in the Indian subcontinent. It was first reported by Schwartz and defined by Pindborg. OSF is within a group of conditions that are classified under potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity. Current evidence suggests that are coline in the areca nut is the key factor in initiating the disease process. Objective: The purpose of this study is to conduct the morphometric analysis of the epithelial and selected connective tissue changes related to capillaries and to determine mast cell density in different grades of OSF. Method: The study comprises 25 cases of OSF in varying grades (according to Pindborg and Sirsat classification) retrieved from the archives of department of oral pathology. The slides were prepared and stained in Hematoxylin and Eosin stain and 1% toluidine blue. All the slides are being studied under Trinocular research microscope Olympus BX-53 and further quantified in image capture software for morphometric analysis. Result: Morphometrical analysis of epithelial thickness and connective tissue changes highlightening the parameters of capillary density, luminal diameter and circumferences of the capillaries have shown that varying degree of alterations in different grades of OSF when the severity of the disease increases. This study also included the mast cell density analysis which have proven to undergo changes as the severity of the disease progress.