[Correlation between the quantity of oral mucosal micronucleus cells and cancerization].

Objective: To explore the relationship between micronuclei and malignant development of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED).

Methods: Oral exfoliated cells were smeared from 30 control subjects, 46 patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), 78 patients with oral leukoplakia (OLK) and hyperplasia, 30 patients with OLK and mild OED, 29 patients with OLK and moderate OED, 15 patients with OLK and severe OED and 22 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Results: Micronucleus rates declined according to the order of OSCC, OLK and severe OED, OLK and moderate OED, OLK and mild OED, OLK and hyperplasia, OLP and control groups (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Micronuclei may reflect the progression of oral epithelial malignant changes. It could be used in monitoring cancerization in following up cases regularly.