Comparative analysis of blood vessel morphometry in advanced oral submucous fibrosis and malignancy associated with oral submucous fibrosis.

INTRODUCTION

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant disorder of oral cavity. The vascularity of submucosa in this disease can predict its malignant transformation.

AIM

In this study, attempts have been made to investigate different parameters of vascularity, such as mean vascular area, luminal diameter etc., in advanced OSF and make a comparison with malignancy associated with OSF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Incisional biopsy was taken from clinically diagnosed cases of advanced OSF and malignancy associated with OSF. Sections were prepared and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for histomorphometric analysis using a research microscope.

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase in mean vascular area and luminal diameter of blood vessels was noticed in malignancy associated with OSF compared to advanced OSF.

CONCLUSION

To support the nutritional demand of carcinogenesis, increased blood supply is required; hence blood supply increased in the form of budding blood vessels or enlarged dilated blood vessels. These changes can be used as a predictive marker for this transformation.