Mast cell density in oral submucous fibrosis: a possible role in pathogenesis

Objective: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a premalignant condition of oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive mucosal fibrosis. It has questionable pathogenesis. Mast cells (MC) have been associated with variety of inflammatory and fibrotic conditions, but little is known about their role in OSMF. Mast cells have been studied in normal gingiva, chronic inflammatory gingivitis, desquamative gingivitis, lichen planus, OSMF and oral cancer. Mast cells exhibit phenotypic plasticity. There is variation in the mast cell mediators with the change in the microenvironment, which makes the study of this cell in various diseases interesting. Study design: A retrospective study was conducted to find possible correlation between MC in 25 cases of OSF, 10 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and 10 cases of normal buccal mucosa by means of acidified toluidine blue staining method. Results: The density of MC increased with disease progression. The densities of MC were significantly higher in OSMF than in normal buccal mucosa (p= 0.001). The average numbers of MCs per square millimeter were 25, 49.50, 53.25 & 55.25 respectively. Conclusion: The results suggest that MC have a definite role in initiation and progression of OSMF.