Evaluation the αSMA Positive Myofibroblasts in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Hyperkeratosis

Tumoral stroma has a main role in gross and aggressive behavior of different neoplasms. Myofibroblasts are key cells in stroma and in carcinogenesis process. The purpose of this study was immunochistochemistry evaluation of myofibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared with oral epithelial dysplasia and hyperkeratosis in carcinogenesis process. In this descriptive cross sectional study 18 paraffinized blocks of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC), 18 samples of oral epithelial dysplasia and, 18 samples of hyperkeratosis and five normalflora samples were immunostained for alpha SMA detection. Number of αSMA positive myofibroblasts in 100 cells (x40) was evaluated. Results were reported as the percent of immunostained cells. Statistical tests included Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA and Chi-Square test. In OSCC, 8 cases had score3 (++) and 4 cases had score2 (+). In epithelial dysplasia, one case had Score3 (++) and 3 cases had score2 (+). Score2 (+) was showed in one case of hyperkeratosis. αSMA detection was observed just in vascular endothelium of oral normal mucosa. Significance difference was found in alpha SMA positive myofibroblsts among OSCC, epithelial dysplasia and hyperkeratosis (P=0.000). Number (percent) of alpha SMA positive myofibroblasts increase in carcinogenesis process which could approve their role in tumoral invasive behavior.