Mast cell responses in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Leukoplakia

Abstract

Background: Mast cells are multitalented cells and they act as key players in the progression of oral lesions. They are local residents  of the connective tissue stroma, they releases pro inflammatory and mitogenic cytokines upon activation. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and Leukoplakia are commonly occurring oral lesions.

Aim – of our study is to estimate mast cell population in OSCC and Leukoplakia and correlate progression in mast cell count between pre malignant and malignant condition.

Materials and Methods – Ten cases each of OSCC and Leukoplakia archive tissue blocks were used from the department and 1% toluidine blue stain was used.

Result – Mast cells plays a vital role in angiogenesis and tumour progression. We found the values have increased in malignant condition but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion – the study needs to be done with larger number of sample size. Further detailed and better understanding might open therapeutic aspects to treat the lesions.