Histomorphometric Parameters of the Buccal Mucosa in Patients with Leukoplakia and Epithelial Dysplasia

Background: leukoplakia is the most frequent potentially malignant lesion in the mucous membranes of the mouth and can present with different degrees of epithelial dysplasia. The histological study of this lesion, together with the measurement of morphometric and stereological parameters, allows a better understanding of both physiological and pathological processes. Objective: to characterize the histomorphometric parameters of the oral mucosa in patients with oral leukoplakia according to the degree of epithelial dysplasia. Method: a case series study was carried out in order to determine morphometric indicators of leukoplastic lesions of the oral mucosa in biopsies of patients treated at the Pathology and Maxillofacial Anatomy services of the Dr. Gustavo Aldereguia Lima General University Hospital, in Cienfuegos province. The sample was obtained by intentional sampling, which was made up of 30 histological slides (biopsies), distributed in three groups of ten slides for each degree of epithelial dysplasia. The study variable was the morphometric characterization of oral mucosal leukoplakia with dysplasia. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: three parameters prevailed in the classification of dysplasia: alteration of the interpapillary nails, hyperplasia and loss of polarity of the basal cells. The presence of orthoparakeratosis, hyperplastic epithelia and inflammatory infiltrate of the chorion was confirmed in more than half of the cases. There was statistical significance in the relationships established between the height or depth of the papillae and the relative density of cells according to the degree of epithelial dysplasia, when applying inferential statistics. Conclusions: three parameters predominated in the classification of dysplasia. The presence of orthoparakeratosis, hyperplastic epithelia and inflammatory infiltrate of the chorion was confirmed in more than half of the cases.