Novel role of CD34+ stromal cells/telocytes in oral submucous fibrosis development and its malignant transformation.

Background: Telocytes are interstitial cells widely distributed in the extracellular matrix of numerous tissues distinguished by their long, thin, and moniliform projections. Telocytes have a role in the stimulation of angiogenesis and contribute to the development and progression of fibrosis.

Aim: The current study aimed to assess and compare the telocyte distribution in normal mucosa, oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), and OSCC associated with OSF (OSCCOSF).