Abstract

Abstract
Background: Tobacco-associated oral white lesions have been categorized under the terminology “leukoplakia”.
Numerous histological parameters have been defined for evaluation of their biological potential but these have been
prone towards subjective variations. The purpose of this study was to scrutinize nucleus-associated features of mitosis
and average nucleoli count as indicators of progressive malignant transformation.
Methods: Archival tissues were obtained and patient records were checked for habit history and age: 50
microscopically diagnosed cases of tobacco-associated hyperkeratosis; mild, moderate and severe dysplasias and
squamous cell carcinoma (n=10, each). Mallory’s PTAH staining was performed and mitotic indices and mean nucleoli
counts were calculated. Tukey-Kramer’s multiple comparisons test were performed and P values calculated.
Results and conclusion: P values for mitotic indices did not yield any significant correlations. Hence, it was
surmised that mitotic index alone cannot be used as an indicator for progression. However, P values for mean nucleoli
count gave highly significant values. Hence, it was evident that nucleoli numbers are an indicator of transformation
while on the other hand; mitotic count does not hold any significance. This study employed a simple and cost-effective
staining technique to ascertain the best among the nuclear parameters.

Keywords: Potentially malignant disorders; Mitotic index; Mean nucleoli count