Detection of Cytomorphological Changes in Buccal Mucosal Cells of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Using Oral Exfoliative Cytology

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an extremely common endocrine metabolic disorder that results in chronic hyperglycemia. It has effects on various tissues of the body. Due to this increased blood glucose levels considerable cellular changes occur in oral cavity as well. This field has attracted little research. The aim of the study was to analyze the changes in morphology and cytomorphometric measurements in the buccal mucosal cells of type 2 diabetic patients.

Cytomorphologic patterns of Pap and PAS‐stained oral exfoliative cytology smears in adult Saudi diabetic patients as compared to healthy controls

“…The glycogen content was also greater in diabetic group. These results are consistent with previous studies that revealed considerably increased numbers of PAS‐positive exfoliated cells as well as increased intensity of glycogen staining among diabetic patient smears in comparison to controls . This finding was proposed to provide an early diagnostic or screening test for diabetes…”

“…These results are consistent with previous studies that revealed considerably increased numbers of PAS-positive exfoliated cells as well as increased intensity of glycogen staining among diabetic patient smears in comparison to controls. 6,21,22 This finding was proposed to provide an early diagnostic or screening test for diabetes. 22 The mechanism of glycogen accumulation within epithelial cells in diabetic patients is quite complex.…”

“…Xerostomia and neuropathy occurring in diabetic patients also increase the occurrence of oral epithelial changes including variety of infections . Under these circumstances, DM alters the morphology and function of the oral mucosal cells which can be demonstrated by microscopic examination including oral inflammation, intracellular accumulation of glycogen, and dyskaryotic nuclear changes with variation in nuclear diameter and N/C (nucleo‐cytoplasmic) ratio . In diabetics, it is not strongly recommended to use invasive techniques such as incisional or excisional biopsy for evaluation of oral mucosal changes.…”

“…Accordingly, exfoliative cytology can be considered as more practical technique to evaluate the oral epithelial cytomorphologic changes in DM . It may be implemented to detect early precancerous changes of oral epithelium among diabetic patients as well . Factors favoring the use of oral exfoliative cytology include being an easy, pain‐free, rapid, and noninvasive method that can be tolerated by most patients, as compared to conventional intervention techniques.…”

“…7 It may be implemented to detect early precancerous changes of oral epithelium among diabetic patients as well. 6 Factors favoring the use of oral exfoliative cytology include being an easy, pain-free, rapid, and noninvasive method that can be tolerated by most patients, 8 as compared to conventional intervention techniques. Moreover, exfoliative cytology can be performed from multiple sites in the same patient in single/multiple visits.…”