Kaleidoscope of oral artifacts: A vivid picture through light and polarizing microscope.

BACKGROUND

This study is based on finding of an inexplicable artifact that was seen in the tissue received as periapical granuloma.

AIM

To observe the histological appearance of different commonly implanted food particles and easily incorporated substances from a laboratory in the oral biopsy tissues.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Various food particles such as wheat chapatti, beans, peas, pulses, and coriander leaves and substances such as a suture, cotton, and paper that can easily gain entry during biopsy and histotechnical procedures were intentionally introduced in the tissue specimens of a uterus from outside. Both light and polarizing microscopes were utilized to view them.

RESULTS

Different food particles and substances gave different appearances that could lead to misdiagnosis. Some of these also exhibited positive birefringence under the polarizing microscope.

CONCLUSION

Knowledge and familiarity with probable foreign substances which can appear in tissues may help prevent misdiagnosis or erroneous diagnosis of biopsy specimens.