Assessment of Oral Cytomorphological Changes Associated with Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

Aim: This study was aimed to assess the effect of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the epithelial of oral cavity obtained from people infected with cancer.

Materials and Methods: 40 buccal smears were obtained from people infected with various types of cancers; Smears were prepared, fixed in 95% Ethanol immediately and then stained by Papnicolaou's stain, then examined under the light microscope.

Results: The cytological assessment among study group revealed the following findings; in the study group, inflammation were detected in 29(72.5%) Individuals, metaplasia reported in 11(27.5%) and atypia in 31(77.5%). In control group , inflammation 5(.001). But not detected any metaplasia and atypia.

Conclusion: On the basis of this study, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy are risk factors for cytomorphological changes of oral mucosa. However buccal cytology provides a useful tool in the evaluation of oral cytomorphological changes.

Keywords: Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cytomorphological changes.