Cytomorphometry of buccal smears of Nicotiana tabacum [naswar] users: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

The objective of the current study was to asses the cytomporphometric changes in buccal mucosal smears of naswar users. The study groups consisted of 24 subjects divided into two groups i.e A control group and B naswar users of ages between 15yrs-60yrs. Cellular diameter CD, nuclear diameter ND and nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio N/C ratio was assessed in buccal mucosal smears taken from clinically normal mucosa of naswar users and normal subjects using exfoliative cytology. The mean cellular diameter of group A and B was 43.93microm and 44.13microm respectively. The mean nuclear diameter of control group and naswar users was 9.99microm and 11.88microm respectively. And the mean N/C ratio of group A and B was 1 4.42 and 1 3.71 respectively. The independent T test showed significant results [p association of these changes with dysplasia or premalignancy needs further verification with the help of specific immunomarkers