Abstract

Mast cells are well-known to be involved in allergic, inflammatory, and immune reactions. In addition, they are also involved in pain, tissue damage as well as repair. The present study was conducted to assess the role of mast cells and angiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Materials & Methods:62 formalin-fixed oral biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and 10 normal oral mucosa biopsies were also enrolled. Micro-vessels were stained with cluster of differentiation (CD)-34 and mast cells were counted using the Toluidine blue stain. Results: Site involved was buccal mucosa in 22, lower lip in 4, palate in 1, tongue in 6, gingiva in 5, alveolus in 10 and floor of mouth in 14 cases. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). The mean mast cell density in OSCC was 10.2/ HPF and in normal mucosa was 1.5/ HPF. The mean micro vessel density in OSCC was 24.8/ HPF and in normal mucosa was 10.3/ HPF. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Angiogenesis does increase in oral squamous cell carcinoma and mast cells also invade the peri-tumor tissue, but they are not directly correlated

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