Innovative histological and histochemical characterization of tongue biopsies from patients with burning mouth syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: The present pilot study aims to perform an innovative histological and histochemical characterization of samples from patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) to correlate these findings with the clinical scenario. METHODS: To carry out this objective, the study samples were stained with the hematoxylin-eosin stain and later, an histochemical study was carried out to determine the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) using the stains of Alcian Blue, Picrosirius, Reticulin from Gomori and Verhoeff. RESULTS: The results of this study revealed histological patterns compatible with cellular hypertrophy in different layers of the epithelium as well as a greater keratinization in BMS cases. On the other hand, a lower amount of proteoglycans and a greater amount of collagen fibers were observed compared to the control. In addition, older patients had fewer reticular fibers and younger patients had fewer elastic fibers compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the present study shows the existence of a correlation between the histological patterns, age and symptoms of patients with BMS. Therefore, it is necessary to develop synergistic studies in order to assess and implement new classification systems that could improve the therapeutic approach of patients with BMS.