Cytological analysis of the oral cells of chronic renal failure patients: a cytomorphometric study

Aim: The aim of this study was to cytologically analyze the tongue mucosa, buccal mucosa, and floor of the mouth of patients with chronic renal failure and healthy volunteers to determine what cellular changes are caused by uremic diseases. Materials and methods: In order to evaluate cellular changes induced by chronic renal failure, exfoliative cytology was used for the analysis of the tongue mucosa, buccal mucosa, and floor of the mouth of 20 uremic patients with chronic renal failure and 20 healthy volunteers. Smears from each individual were stained using the Papanicolaou method and were analyzed using a stereological method. Results: The mean cytoplasmic and nuclear geometric volume values of oral cells were measured in both groups. Statistically the nuclear volumes and cytoplasmic volumes in the dorsum tongue, buccal mucosa, and floor of the mouth epithelial cells were markedly higher in the patient group than the control group (P < 0.005). Conclusion: These findings suggest that there are alterations in the dorsum tongue, buccal mucosa, and floor of the mouth epithelial cells in chronic renal failure, which are detectable by microscopy and cytomorphometry. Further research is needed to determine related factors.