Cytomorphological changes of oral mucosal cells among smokeless tobacco users in low and middle-income country settings: new findings from Pakistan

Background Chronic tobacco use, in any form, induces significant cellular alterations in the oral mucosa. This study investigates four distinct cytomorphological changes in oral mucosal cells among smokeless tobacco users, examining their association across different genders and age groups. Materials and methods This cross-sectional study involved collecting mucosal samples from smokeless tobacco (naswar/snuff) users through consecutive sampling. The prepared smears were examined for dysplastic changes. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with Chi-square tests and logistic regression employed to evaluate proportions and associations. Results Among 100 Naswar/snuff users, the labial sulcus mucosa was the most common site affected (47%). The most frequent cytomorphological change was micronuclei (46%), followed by nuclear budding (25%), perinuclear halo (18%), and binucleated cells (14%). In the 51-60 age group, micronuclei (78.9%), nuclear budding (55.3%), binucleation (31.6%), and perinuclear halo (36.8%) were more prevalent (P < 0.005). Gender analysis revealed that micronuclei were more common in females (54.2%) compared to males (43.4%), while nuclear budding was more prevalent in males (27.6%) than females (P < 0.28). Logistic regression indicated that individuals aged 51-60 were more likely to exhibit micronuclei (OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.22 to 5.83, P = 0.863) and nuclear budding (OR = 15.34, 95% CI: 9.23 to 30.75, P < 0.05). Conclusion The dysplastic changes observed included micronuclei, nuclear budding, binucleated cells, and perinuclear halo, with micronuclei being the most prevalent. These findings could facilitate the early diagnosis of oral lesions and their timely management in habitual smokeless tobacco users.