Assessment of Nuclear Changes between Hans and Arecanut Chewing Patient in a Subset of Population

Abstract

Aim:To study nuclear changes occurring in patients with Arecanut and Hans chewing habits Background: Adverse oral habits lead to premalignant lesions. Tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol intake have been attributed to as major risk factors.Different forms of tobacco usage are prevalent in India and many of them are specific to certain areas. Hans is mixture of tobacco products usually kept in between the cheek and gum or upper lip teeth and chewing. Arecanut has been recently linked to oral submucosal fibrosis.Exfoliative cytology, which is a quick and simple procedure, is an important alternative to biopsy in certain situations. In exfoliative cytology, cells shed from body surfaces, such as the inside of the mouth, are collected and examined. Materials and Method:Cytological smear was taken among 30 patients using exfoliative cytology method. Tobacco users were grouped into two groups Hans and arecanut chewing habits. Results:The result of the study shows increase in frequency of micronuclei among arecanut users when compared with Hans users and controls Conclusion:The study reveals early identification of premalignant lesion in patient using arecanut and Hans products when compared to normal individual.