Comparison of Cytomorphometric analysis using light and phase contrast microscopes in potentially malignant disorders

Oral cancer is the most prevalent disease in the Indian subcontinent, constituting approximately 40% of all cancer cases, particularly affecting men over the age of 40. Factors such as tobacco use, which can lead to oral potentially malignant disorders (PMDs), are often cited as contributing to this high incidence. Oral exfoliative cytology has garnered attention in the pathology domain as an effective diagnostic tool, with early detection being critical. This study aimed to compare and assess the cytomorphometric features of PMDs and differentiate them from healthy individuals utilizing both light and phase contrast microscopy. Materials and Methods: The research involved 30 patients diagnosed with clinically apparent leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, or lichen planus. Exfoliative cytology smears were obtained from all subjects, stained with Papanicolaou stain, and the nuclear and cytoplasmic areas were measured using both light and phase contrast microscopy. Results: A statistical analysis comparing the light and phase contrast microscopes, based on the mean nuclear and cytoplasmic areas (in µm²), revealed significant differences among the three groups. A paired t-test validated these findings with a p-value ≤ 0.05. Conclusion: Exfoliative cytology is demonstrated to be a straightforward, rapid, and economical method for screening potentially malignant disorders in the oral cavity. The mean nuclear and cytoplasmic areas are vital parameters for detecting early-stage progression from potentially malignant disorders to malignancy. Key Words: Exfoliative cytology, Light and phase contrast microscope, Potentially malignant disorders