Morphological Changes Of Extracellular Matrix In Different Histopathological Grades Of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Objective: To study the morphological changes in the extracellular matrix of oral squamous cell carcinoma in the various histopathological grades.

Methods: A total of 30 cases of different histological grades of OSCC were selected and graded by both Broder’s & Anneroth’s grading system. Three sections were made from each paraffin blocks and were stained by H & E stain, Verhoeff’s van gieson stain and Masson’s trichrome stain. ECM changes were studied as, distribution of elastic, collagen and lymphocytic infiltration.

Result: Statistical analysis of 30 cases of OSCC showed maximum i.e. 17 (56.67%) cases at buccal mucosa. Significant difference between the two histological grading systems of OSCC, Broder’s and Anneroth’s grading was observed. It was observed that, initial host immune response to tumorigenesis was seen as lymphocytic infiltration, which later lead to collagenolysis in the ECM making elastic fibres more readily visible.

Conclusion: Histochemical studies on ECM of OSCC especially on collagen and elastic using special stains such as Masson’s trichrome and Verhoeff’s van gieson respectively, are of great value in predicting tumor behaviour. The study indicated that, increased distribution of elastic fibres and collagenolysis preceded by lymphocytic infiltration are