ABSTRACT
Studies have reported changes in the epidemiological profile of patients with oral cancer in recent decades, especially regarding gender and age. This study aimed to evaluate a historical series of oral malignant lesions prevalence over six decades and define characteristics associated with the occurrence, mainly, of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A retrospective review of histopathological records from 1953 to 2019 was conducted in three oral pathology laboratories in South Brazil about age, sex, anatomical site, clinical aspect, and histopathological diagnosis. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed comparing the histopathological diagnoses with other variables. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the associated predictors of OSCC. Of the 53,065 records available in the institutions, 986 were oral malignant tumors (including all malignant neoplasms), representing 1.86% of all diagnoses. The occurrence of OSCC in the 1960's was 80.0%, decreasing over time reaching the lowest percentage of cases in the 1990's (75.8%) and significantly increasing to 88.7% in the 2010s. Females had a lower chance than males of having OSCC independently of the decade (odds ratio=0.30, p<0.001). This was the same for older individuals compared to those younger than 40 years. No interactions between sex, age, and decade were observed. The number of diagnoses of oral malignant lesions increased over time, and the occurrence of OSCC varied. Older individuals and males had higher chances of having OSCC independently of the decade. Therefore, in this study sample, no changes were observed in the epidemiological profile over the years concerning these predictors.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell , Mouth Neoplasms , Male , Female , Humans , Mouth Neoplasms/epidemiology , Mouth Neoplasms/pathology , Retrospective Studies , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Prevalence , Brazil/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Abstract Studies have reported changes in the epidemiological profile of patients with oral cancer in recent decades, especially regarding gender and age. This study aimed to evaluate a historical series of oral malignant lesions prevalence over six decades and define characteristics associated with the occurrence, mainly, of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A retrospective review of histopathological records from 1953 to 2019 was conducted in three oral pathology laboratories in South Brazil about age, sex, anatomical site, clinical aspect, and histopathological diagnosis. Descriptive and analytical analyses were performed comparing the histopathological diagnoses with other variables. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the associated predictors of OSCC. Of the 53,065 records available in the institutions, 986 were oral malignant tumors (including all malignant neoplasms), representing 1.86% of all diagnoses. The occurrence of OSCC in the 1960's was 80.0%, decreasing over time reaching the lowest percentage of cases in the 1990's (75.8%) and significantly increasing to 88.7% in the 2010s. Females had a lower chance than males of having OSCC independently of the decade (odds ratio=0.30, p<0.001). This was the same for older individuals compared to those younger than 40 years. No interactions between sex, age, and decade were observed. The number of diagnoses of oral malignant lesions increased over time, and the occurrence of OSCC varied. Older individuals and males had higher chances of having OSCC independently of the decade. Therefore, in this study sample, no changes were observed in the epidemiological profile over the years concerning these predictors.
Resumo Alguns estudos relataram mudanças no perfil epidemiológico dos pacientes com câncer bucal nas últimas décadas, principalmente quanto ao gênero e a idade. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar, em uma série histórica, a prevalência de todas as lesões malignas bucais ao longo de seis décadas e definir características associadas na ocorrência, principalmente, de carcinoma espinocelular (CEC). Um levantamento retrospectivo dos registros histopatológicos de 1953 a 2019 foi realizado em três laboratórios de Patologia Bucal no Sul do Brasil em relação à idade, gênero, sítio anatômico, aspecto clínico e diagnóstico histopatológico. Análises descritivas e analíticas foram realizadas comparando-se os diagnósticos histopatológicos com as outras variáveis. A regressão logística multivariada foi aplicada para determinar os possíveis preditores associados ao CEC. Dos 53.065 prontuários disponíveis nas instituições, 986 eram tumores malignos bucais (incluindo todas as neoplasias malignas), representando 1,86% de todos os diagnósticos. A ocorrência de CEC na década de 1960 foi de 80,0%, diminuindo ao longo do tempo, atingindo o menor percentual de casos na década de 1990 (75,8%) e aumentando significativamente para 88,7% na década de 2010. As mulheres tiveram menor risco de desenvolver CEC do que os homens, independentemente da década (OR=0,30, p<0,001). Este foi o mesmo para indivíduos com idade mais avançada em comparação com aqueles com menos de 40 anos de idade. Não foram observadas interações entre gênero, idade e década. O número de diagnósticos de lesões malignas bucais aumentou ao longo das décadas e a ocorrência de CEC variou. Indivíduos com mais de 40 anos e do sexo masculino tiveram maiores chances de ter CEC, independentemente da década analisada. Portanto, nessa amostra estudada, não foram observadas mudanças no perfil epidemiológico ao longo dos anos com relação a esses preditores.
ABSTRACT
O cisto radicular é uma lesão inflamatória associada à necrose pulpar que ocorre frequentemente em maxila. Objetivo: Descrever um caso cirúrgico detalhado de Cisto Periapical Abscedado. Relato de Caso: paciente gênero feminino, 40 anos, hipertensa, diabética Tipo II, compareceu à clínica queixando-se de dor ao ingerir alimentos frios e quentes na região da maxila, lado esquerdo. Ao exame físico, observou-se destruição coronária e presença de fístula na região do elemento dentário 23. Ao exame radiográfico, observou-se uma área radiolúcida ovalada bem circunscrita com halo radiopaco envolvendo a região apical do elemento dentário 23. Frente ao aspecto clínico e radiográfico, foram sugeridas as hipóteses diagnósticas de abscesso periapical crônico, granuloma periapical ou cisto apical abscedado. Foi realizada a exodontia do elemento 23 seguida de enucleação cística. O diagnóstico histopatológico final foi de cisto abscedado. Após 5 meses de evolução observa-se mucosa íntegra e reparo ósseo alveolar. Conclusão: É imprescindível um exame clínico cuidadoso associado ao exame radiográfico e histopatológico para analisar minuciosamente o caso a fim de oferecer ao paciente melhores condutas de tratamento. O diagnóstico de lesões intraósseas associado ao correto tratamento interrompe a evolução do processo patológico, evita danos maiores e restabelece a condição de saúde dos pacientes... (AU)
The radicular cyst is an inflammatory lesion associated with pulp necrosis that often occurs in the maxilla. Objective: To describe a detailed surgical case of Abscessed Periapical Cyst. Case Report: female patient, 40 years old, hypertensive, type II diabetic, came to the clinic complaining of pain when ingesting cold and hot foods in the left side of the maxilla. On physical examination, coronary destruction and the presence of a fistula in the region of the tooth 23 were observed. The radiographic examination showed a well-circumscribed oval radiolucent area with a radiopaque halo involving the apical region of the tooth 23. In view of the clinical and radiography, the diagnostic hypotheses of chronic periapical abscess, periapical granuloma or abscessed apical cyst were suggested. Element 23 extraction was performed followed by cystic enucleation. The final histopathological diagnosis was an abscessed cyst. After 5 months of evolution, intact mucosa and alveolar bone repair are observed. Conclusion: A careful clinical examination associated with radiographic and histopathological data is essential to systematically analyze the case in order to offer the patient better treatment. The diagnosis of intraosseous lesions associated with the correct treatment interrupts the evolution of the pathological process, avoids further damage and restores the patients' health condition... (AU)
El quiste radicular es una lesión inflamatoria asociada a necrosis pulpar que frecuentemente se presenta en el maxilar. Objetivo: Describir un caso quirúrgico detallado de Quiste Periapical Absceso. Caso Clínico: paciente femenina, de 40 años, hipertensa, diabética tipo II, acudió a la consulta quejándose de dolor al ingerir alimentos fríos y calientes en el lado izquierdo del maxilar. Al examen físico se observó destrucción coronaria y la presencia de una fístula en la región del diente 23. El examen radiográfico mostró un área radiolúcida oval bien delimitada con un halo radiopaco que involucraba la región apical del diente 23. En vista de la clínico y radiográfico, se sugirieron las hipótesis diagnósticas de absceso periapical crónico, granuloma periapical o quiste apical abscesificado. Se realizó la extracción del elemento 23 seguida de enucleación quística. El diagnóstico histopatológico final fue de quiste abscesificado. A los 5 meses de evolución se observa mucosa intacta y reparación del hueso alveolar. Conclusión: Un examen clínico cuidadoso asociado con el examen radiográfico e histopatológico es fundamental para analizar a fondo el caso con el fin de ofrecer al paciente mejores enfoques de tratamiento. El diagnóstico de lesiones intraóseas asociado al correcto tratamiento interrumpe la evolución del proceso patológico, previene mayores daños y restablece el estado de salud de los pacientes... (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Adult , Radicular Cyst/surgery , Radicular Cyst/diagnostic imaging , Oral Surgical Procedures , Radicular Cyst/pathology , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Introduction: Cytopathology is a collection method that allows cell analysis through the different techniques. The oral mucosa exfoliated cells observation demonstrates morphological, biochemical and/or molecular aspects depending on the type of processing of the sample. Aim: This study tested the use of oral cytopathology associated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe the morphology of cells, mainly in relation to the cell nucleus, the cytoplasmic membrane, and cell junctions. Materials and Methods: Exfoliated epithelial cells from the oral mucosa were analyzed by TEM from individuals exposed to tobacco and alcohol, with leukoplakia or with a histopathological diagnosis of squamous cell carci-noma. Results: The cytoplasmic cell-cell junctions in the malignant samples lost the characteristic irregular pattern formed by the numerous interdigitations and the junctional process of normal cells and started to present a straight cytoplasmic surface. The nuclei of cells from leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma samples showed heterogeneous staining, while non-lesional cells were homogeneous. Discussion: The analysis of oral cytopathological smears by TEM contributes to the un-derstanding of the changes that occur during the process of malignancy of the oral mucosa, especially with regard to the cytoplasmic membrane and intercellular junctions. Conclusion: TEM may be a good analytical method to investigate morphological changes in exfoliated cells of the oral epithelium.
Introdução: A citopatologia é um método de coleta que permite a análise celular por meio de diferentes técnicas. A observação das células esfoliadas da mucosa bucal demonstra aspectos morfológicos, bioquímicos e/ou moleculares dependendo do tipo do processamento empregado. Objetivo: Este estudo testou o emprego da técnica de citopatologia bucal associada à microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) para observar a morfologia das células, principalmente com relação à membrana citoplasmática, as junções celulares e ao núcleo da célula. Materiais eMétodos: Células epiteliais esfoliadas da mucosa bucal foram analisadas por MET de indivíduos expostos a tabaco e álcool, apresentando leucoplasia ou com diagnóstico de carcinoma espinocelular. Resultados:As junções citoplasmáticas célula-célula nas amostras malignas perderam o padrão irregular característico formado pelas inúmeras interdigitações e o processo juncional das células normais e passaram a apresentar uma superfície citoplasmática reta. O núcleo das células das amostras de leucoplasia e do carcinoma espinocelular apresentou coloração heterogênea, enquanto as células não lesionais foram homogêneas. Discussão: A análise de esfregaços citopatológicos bucais por MET contribui para o entendimento das alterações que ocorrem durante o processo de malignidade da mucosa bucal, principal-mente no que diz respeito à membrana citoplasmática e as junções intercelulares. Conclusão: A MET pode ser um bom método analítico para investigar alterações morfológicas em células esfoliadas do epitélio bucal.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sun protection is associated with lower occurrence of actinic cheilitis in adults living in a city from southern Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-stage proportional sample of 404 individuals 18 years and older was obtained. Interviews and clinical examinations were conducted in participants' households. Four categories of self-reported use of sun protection were determined. Multivariable Poisson regression was used to assess the associations. RESULTS: Prevalence of actinic cheilitis was 47.1%. In the first main-effects multivariable model, AC was significantly associated with sex, age, skin colour and duration of sun exposure, but not with sun protection. However, the association between sun protection and actinic cheilitis was modified by the time of sun exposure. Among those exposed ≥4 hr/day to sun, individuals using physical protection or physical + chemical protection were 33% (prevalence ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47-0.94, p = .02) and 36% (PR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.47-0.94, p = .02), respectively, less likely to have actinic cheilitis than those who did not use any sun protection, adjusting for sex, age and skin colour. CONCLUSIONS: Physical and chemical sun protection were associated with lower occurrence of actinic cheilitis in individuals with greater exposure to sun.
Subject(s)
Cheilitis , Adult , Cheilitis/epidemiology , Cheilitis/prevention & control , Cross-Sectional Studies , Humans , Prevalence , Protective FactorsABSTRACT
AIM: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of diseases related to pericoronal follicles, and assess the rate of concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnoses. METHODS: Histologically, we analyzed 1,298 tissue samples surrounding the crowns of teeth that were diagnosed clinically as pericoronal follicles. In addition, we determined associations among histopathological diagnosis, patients' age and sex, tissue site, presence of nests of odontogenic epithelium, presence of reduced enamel epithelium, and presence of diffuse inflammation. RESULTS: Odontogenic pathologies were present in 35% of the samples, and rate of concordance between clinical and histopathological diagnoses was 0.54. Probability of developing odontogenic pathologies was high in the mandibular molars (odds ratio: 2.13) and in the tissues with odontogenic epithelial remnants (odds ratio: 1.2), reduced enamel epithelium (odds ratio: 1.3), and diffuse inflammation. (odds ratio: 10.5). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight the clinical relevance of histopathological examination of the pericoronal tissue in unerupted and partially erupted teeth for early diagnosis of pathologies because this study demonstrated the odontogenic cysts and inflammatory lesions in tissues clinically diagnosed as pericoronal follicles.
Subject(s)
Dentigerous Cyst , Odontogenic Cysts , Epithelium , Humans , Microscopy , Molar , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Early detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a challenge for oral surgeons, as clinical features are not always classical. Cytopathological assays can help identify alterations at the cellular level. This article reports a case of OSCC in a young male adult without exposure to classical risk factors. The histopathological examination showed a micro invasive carcinoma invading the connective tissue. Cytopathological results showed a higher percentage of cells in deeper epithelial layers; the cytomorphometric examination revealed a nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of 0.14; the mean number of Nucleolar Organiser Regions which have a high affinity for silver (AgNOR) per nucleus was 2.86, and the mean percentage of nuclei with >2 AgNOR was 58%. The micronucleus test found 3 micronucleated cells and several metanuclear aberrations. These findings support the hypothesis that cytological examination is an important tool to identify early changes in oral smears and thus help in the early clinical detection of suspicious malignant oral lesions that should be more rigorously followed.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology , Mouth Neoplasms/diagnosis , Mouth Neoplasms/pathology , Adult , Epithelium/pathology , Humans , Male , Nucleolus Organizer Region/pathologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: We hypothesized that fragmentation of the cystic capsule during surgery would influence the recurrence rate of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) regardless of the treatment modality chosen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed, in a retrospective study, cases diagnosed as OKCs on histopathologic examination at the oral pathology department between 1991 and 2013. Fragmentation data were obtained from the records of the oral surgical department. RESULTS: Fragmentation of the capsules of OKCs during surgery did not affect recurrence, irrespective of the chosen treatment modality. The addition of techniques such as cryotherapy lowered the risk of recurrence of OKCs (P = .013) compared with after enucleation alone. Furthermore, patients with associated nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome had a greater recurrence rate than that of those with no associated syndrome (P = .033). CONCLUSIONS: Fragmentation of the cystic capsule does not play an important role in the rate of OKC recurrence. The rate of recurrence can be modified by using additional strategies such as cryotherapy.
Subject(s)
Odontogenic Cysts/surgery , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Odontogenic Cysts/pathology , Odontogenic Cysts/prevention & control , Recurrence , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
To assess the immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical correlation of adhesion (E-cadherin) and cell differentiation (involucrin) molecules in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cytological samples and biopsies were obtained from male and female patients aged over 30 years with oral leukoplakia (n = 30) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (n = 22). Cell scrapings and the biopsy were performed at the site of the lesion and histological slides were prepared for the immunocytochemical analysis of exfoliated oral mucosal cells and for the immunohistochemical analysis of biopsy tissues using E-cadherin and involucrin. Spearman's correlation and kappa coefficients were used to assess the correlation and level of agreement between the techniques. Immunostaining for E-cadherin and involucrin by both techniques was similar in the superficial layers of the histological sections compared with cell scrapings. However, there was no statistical correlation and agreement regarding the immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and involucrin in oral leukoplakia (R = 0.01, p = 0.958) (Kappa = 0.017, p = 0.92) or in oral squamous cell carcinoma (R = 0.26, p = 0.206) (Kappa = 0.36, p = 0.07). The immunoexpression of E-cadherin and involucrin in tissues is consistent with the expression patterns observed in exfoliated oral mucosal cells, despite the lack of a statistically significant correlation. There is an association of the histopathological characteristics of leukoplakia with the expression E-cadherin and of the microscopic aspects of oral squamous cell carcinoma with immunohistochemical expression of involucrin.
Subject(s)
Cadherins/metabolism , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism , Leukoplakia, Oral/metabolism , Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism , Protein Precursors/metabolism , Adult , Aged , Antigens, CD , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Biopsy , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Middle Aged , Reference Values , Statistics, NonparametricABSTRACT
Abstract To assess the immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical correlation of adhesion (E-cadherin) and cell differentiation (involucrin) molecules in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cytological samples and biopsies were obtained from male and female patients aged over 30 years with oral leukoplakia (n = 30) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (n = 22). Cell scrapings and the biopsy were performed at the site of the lesion and histological slides were prepared for the immunocytochemical analysis of exfoliated oral mucosal cells and for the immunohistochemical analysis of biopsy tissues using E-cadherin and involucrin. Spearman’s correlation and kappa coefficients were used to assess the correlation and level of agreement between the techniques. Immunostaining for E-cadherin and involucrin by both techniques was similar in the superficial layers of the histological sections compared with cell scrapings. However, there was no statistical correlation and agreement regarding the immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical expression of E-cadherin and involucrin in oral leukoplakia (R = 0.01, p = 0.958) (Kappa = 0.017, p = 0.92) or in oral squamous cell carcinoma (R = 0.26, p = 0.206) (Kappa = 0.36, p = 0.07). The immunoexpression of E-cadherin and involucrin in tissues is consistent with the expression patterns observed in exfoliated oral mucosal cells, despite the lack of a statistically significant correlation. There is an association of the histopathological characteristics of leukoplakia with the expression E-cadherin and of the microscopic aspects of oral squamous cell carcinoma with immunohistochemical expression of involucrin.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Cadherins/metabolism , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism , Leukoplakia, Oral/metabolism , Mouth Neoplasms/metabolism , Protein Precursors/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism , Biopsy , Immunohistochemistry , Reference Values , Statistics, NonparametricABSTRACT
Aim: To evaluate the association between oral health status, socio-demographic and behavioralfactors with the pattern of maturity of normal epithelial oral mucosa. Methods: Exfoliative cytologyspecimens were collected from 117 men from the border of the tongue and floor of the mouth onopposite sides. Cells were stained with the Papanicolaou method and classified into: anucleated,superficial cells with nuclei, intermediate and parabasal cells. Quantification was made by selectingthe first 100 cells in each glass slide. Sociodemographic and behavioral variables were collected froma structured questionnaire. Oral health was analyzed by clinical examination, recording decayed,missing and filled teeth index (DMFT) and use of prostheses. Multivariable linear regression modelswere applied. Results: No significant differences for all studied variables influenced the patternof maturation of the oral mucosa except for alcohol consumption. There was an increase of cellsurface layers of the epithelium with the chronic use of alcohol. Conclusions: It is appropriate to usePapanicolaou cytopathological technique to analyze the maturation pattern of exposed subjects,with a strong recommendation for those who use alcohol - a risk factor for oral cancer, in which achange in the proportion of cell types is easily detected.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Adult , Mouth Mucosa , Multivariate Analysis , Oral Health , Papanicolaou Test , Cell Biology , Pathology/methods , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation on the frequency of micronuclei, broken eggs cells, binucleated cells, and karyorrhexis in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. The sample was composed of 60 cell phone users, who were non-smokers and non-drinkers, and had no clinically visible oral lesions. Cells were obtained from anatomical sites with the highest incidence of oral cancer: lower lip, border of the tongue, and floor of the mouth. The Feulgen reaction was used for quantification of nuclear anomalies in 1,000 cells/slide. A slightly increase in the number of micronucleated cells in the lower lip and in binucleated cells on the floor of the mouth was observed in individuals who used their phones > 60 minutes/week. The analysis also revealed an increased number of broken eggs in the tongue of individuals owning a cell phone for over eight years. Results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones can increase nuclear abnormalities in individuals who use a cell phone for more than 60 minutes per week and for over eight years. Based on the present findings, we suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones may interfere with the development of metanuclear anomalies. Therefore, it is demonstrated that, despite a significant increase in these anomalies, the radiation emitted by cell phones among frequent users is within acceptable physiological limits.
Subject(s)
Cell Nucleus/radiation effects , Cell Phone , Electromagnetic Radiation , Mouth Mucosa/cytology , Radio Waves/adverse effects , Adult , Chromosome Aberrations , Female , Humans , Male , Micronucleus Tests , Mouth Mucosa/radiation effects , Young AdultABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate different immunocytochemical protocol variations to find the most effective protocol for the analysis of involucrin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and E-cadherin antibodies. Exfoliative cytology is a noninvasive method used to monitor and screen for early changes in the oral mucosa of patients exposed to carcinogens such as tobacco and alcohol. It has been postulated that its association with immunocytochemistry may improve the effectiveness of the screening process. STUDY DESIGN: Four graduate students from Porto Alegre in southern Brazil had oral smears collected from the border of the tongue using a cytobrush. The following variables were analyzed: cell membrane permeability, antigen retrieval method (microwave oven or water bath), antibody incubation time (overnight or 1 hour), detection system used (Envision or LSAB), and chromogen incubation time (10 seconds or 5 minutes). RESULTS: Best results were obtained with the following combinations: (1) for involucrin: water bath, 1-hour incubation for primary antibody, Envision, and chromogen incubation for 10 seconds; (2)for EGFR: microwave, overnight incubation, LSAB, and chromogen incubation for 5 minutes; and (3) for E-cadherin: water bath, over-night incubation, Envision, and chromogen incubation for 5 minutes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that each antibody requires a specific immunocytochemical protocol to guarantee optimal results with oral smears.
Subject(s)
Cytodiagnosis/methods , Cytodiagnosis/standards , Immunohistochemistry/methods , Immunohistochemistry/standards , Mouth Mucosa , Adult , Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis , Female , Humans , Male , Mouth Neoplasms/diagnosis , Young AdultABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cell phone electromagnetic radiation on the frequency of micronuclei, broken eggs cells, binucleated cells, and karyorrhexis in epithelial cells of the oral mucosa. The sample was composed of 60 cell phone users, who were non-smokers and non-drinkers, and had no clinically visible oral lesions. Cells were obtained from anatomical sites with the highest incidence of oral cancer: lower lip, border of the tongue, and floor of the mouth. The Feulgen reaction was used for quantification of nuclear anomalies in 1,000 cells/slide. A slightly increase in the number of micronucleated cells in the lower lip and in binucleated cells on the floor of the mouth was observed in individuals who used their phones > 60 minutes/week. The analysis also revealed an increased number of broken eggs in the tongue of individuals owning a cell phone for over eight years. Results suggest that exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones can increase nuclear abnormalities in individuals who use a cell phone for more than 60 minutes per week and for over eight years. Based on the present findings, we suggest that exposure to electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones may interfere with the development of metanuclear anomalies. Therefore, it is demonstrated that, despite a significant increase in these anomalies, the radiation emitted by cell phones among frequent users is within acceptable physiological limits.