Development of novel mucoadhesive gels containing nanoparticle for buccal administration of dexamethasone

Abstract This study aimed to develop promising and innovative mucoadhesive gel systems containing dexamethasone-loaded nanoparticle to increase the effectiveness of treatment for oral precancerous lesions and to reduce side effects. In this respect, a dexamethasone-loaded nanoparticle formulation was prepared by using emulsification/solvent evaporation method. The nanoparticle has high zeta potential (-10.3±0.5 mV), low particle size (218.42±2.1), low polydispersity index (0.070±0.014) and high encapsulation efficiency (95.018±2.982%). To improve the mucosal retention time, the dexamethasone-loaded nanoparticle was dispersed in mucoadhesive gel using gellan gum. The developed gels offered appropriate pH value, high drug content, suitable mechanical and mucoadhesive performance and appropriate viscosity for mucosal administration. All formulations exhibited plastic flow and typical gel-type mechanical spectra after the determined frequency value. The developed formulations exhibited extended drug release as intended for these systems. Cytotoxicity was tested by MTT assay in human epithelioid carcinoma cell (HeLa) in vitro. The MTT assay showed that the blank formulations were non-toxic to cells. It was observed that the bioactivity of the free dexamethasone was potentiated by mucoadhesive gels containing dexamethasone-loaded nanoparticle in HeLa cells. Results from this study indicate that mucoadhesive gels are effective for the local treatment of precancerous lesions. Our findings showed that the developed formulations were worthy of further studies.

Retrospective analysis of the clinical effects of endoscopic mucosal dissection on treatment of early esophagogastric precancerous lesions.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to conduct a retrospective study about the clinical effects of endoscopic mucosal dissection on the treatment of early esophagogastric precancerous lesions. METHODS: A total of 132 patients with early esophagogastric precancerous lesions who were diagnosed and treated with concurrent surgery in our hospital from January 2018 to December 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) group (n = 58) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) group (n = 74) according to different surgical methods. The data in the two groups were compared and analyzed in terms of surgical indicators, treatment status and incidence of postoperative complications. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in the whole block cutting rate, fractional cutting rate and complete cutting rate (P < 0.05). The mean operation time of ESD group was significantly longer than that of EMR group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the intraoperative bleeding rate, blood loss, average specimen area, length of hospital stay and treatment cost between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence and recurrence of postoperative complications, including bleeding, perforation and stenosis in the two groups, were observed within 1 year of postoperative follow-up. The incidence of complications in ESD group was slightly higher than that in EMR group, and the local recurrence rate in ESD group was lower than that in EMR group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: ESD is an alternative surgical treatment for patients with early esophagogastric precancerous lesions.

Correlacion citológica, colposcópica e histológica de lesiones precancerígenas en cérvix / Cytologic, colposcopic and histologic correlation of precancerous injuries in the cervix

INTRODUCCION El cáncer cervicouterino es una enfermedad prevenible y curable, de etiología multifactorial y trasmitida sexualmente por el virus del papiloma humano. Este cáncer se desarrolla generalmente en la zona de transformación de la unión escamo-columnar del cuello uterino. La citología cervicovaginal es un método de detección precoz que tiene como objeto de estudio la detección de células anormales. MÉTODO EL presente trabajo es un estudio descriptivo, analítico, retrospectivo y correlacional. Se evaluaron 370 historias clínicas completas de pacientes con resultados de citología, colposcopia e histología. RESULTADO En la gestión 2015 se registraron con diagnostico citológico de LIE-BG un 63% y un 17.2% con LIE-AG, ASCUS fue 6.7% y ASCH 12.8%. Según el diagnóstico colposcópico el 54% dio LIE-BG y un 42.5% LIE-AG. El reporte histológico un 62.2% fue NIC I. 26.5% NIC II y el 9.7% NIC III. CONCLUSIONES En cuanto a los tres métodos diagnósticos existe correlación en porcentajes elevados y significativos en lesiones pre malignas de cérvix

INTRODUCTION Cervical cancer is a preventable, curable and multifactorial disease, it is sexually transmitted through the human papillomavirus. This cancer is usually developed in the transformation zone of squamocolumnar junction in the cervix. Cervicovaginal cytology is a method of early detection which focuses on the study of abnormal cells. METHOD A descriptive, analytical, retrospective and correlational study was conducted. It was evaluated 370 complete clinical histories of patients with cytology, colposcopy and histology results. RESULT Cytological diagnosis of LIE-BG was observed at 63 % and LIE-AG at 17.2 %, moreover ASCUS was 6.7 % and ASCH 12.8 %. Concerning colposcopy diagnosis, 54% displayed LIE-BG and 42.5% displayed LIE-AG. The histological report reflected NIC I 62.2 %, NIC II 26.5 % and NIC III 9.7 %. CONCLUSIONS Regarding these three diagnostic methods, the correlation is high and provides significant percentages for premalignant lesions of the cervix

Lesiones epiteliales de cuello uterino en mujeres de la comunidad indigena Mbya-Guarani, Colonia Y´Apy, Distrito de Yrybucua-Departamento San Pedro. 2019

RESUMEN La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar las Lesiones de Cuello Uterino en mujeres de la Comunidad Mbya-Guaraní de la Colonia Y apy del Distrito de Yrybycua-Departamento San Pedro. 2019. El diseño fue observacional de tipo descriptivo, de corte transversal, con enfoque cuantitativo. La población estuvo constituida por 219 mujeres de la comunidad indígena Mbya-Guarani, colonia Y´apy, distrito de Yrybucua, departamento San Pedro. La muestra quedó conformada por 60 mujeres. Resultados: De agosto a noviembre del 2.013 fueron estudiados 46 adolescentes de 10 a 19 años, con análisis. El 60% de las mujeres en edad fértil son adultas jóvenes de entre 19 y 38 años. El 73% de las mujeres no realizan el PAP, ya que en la comunidad se cuenta con una Unidad de Salud Familiar y las mismas no acuden. En relación a los estudios realizados, el mayor porcentaje (37%), recae en los extendidos citológicos normales, seguido del 21% correspondiente a L-SIL y H-Sil respectivamente. El ASCUS con el 13%, las tomas inadecuadas con 4% y por último el carcinoma epidermoide y AGC con el 2%. Conclusión: Los resultados obtenidos en los estudios realizados en mujeres de la Comunidad indígena Mbya Guaraní. Colonia Y apy Año 2019, se destacan el CIN I, CIN II, CIN III, Carcinoma Epidermoide, así como tomas inadecuadas.

ABSTRACT The research aimed to analyze uterine neck injuries in women in the Mbya-Guarani Community of The Colony and apy of the Yrybycua-San Pedro Department District. 2019. The design was descriptive, cross-cutting, descriptive- The population consisted of 219 women from the Mbya-Guarani indigenous community, Y apy colony, Yrybucua district, San Pedro department. The sample was made up of 60 women. Results: From August to November of 2013, 46 adolescents from 10 to 19 years were studied, with analysis. 60% of women of childbearing age are young adults between 19 and 38 years old. 73% of women do not perform the PAP, since in the community there is a Family Health Unit and they do not attend. In relation to the studies carried out, the highest percentage (37%), falls on the normal cytological spreads, followed by 21% corresponding to L-SIL and H-Sil respectively. ASCUS with 13%, inadequate intakes with 4% and finally squamous cell carcinoma and AGC with 2%. Conclusion: The results obtained in the studies carried out in women of the Mbya Guaraní indigenous community. Colonia Y apy Year 2019, the CIN I, CIN II, CIN III, Squamous Carcinoma, as well as inappropriate shots are highlighted.

Detection of precancerous lesions in the cervix and HPV infection in women in the region of Maniapure, Bolivar State.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of cervical cancer (CC), the second most common cause of cancer deaths in Venezuela. Early detection and prompt treatment of precancerous lesions prevent up to 80% of CC cases. In Venezuela, difficult access to CC screening means that the disease is detected at advanced stages, especially in more vulnerable indigenous populations. The aim of the study was to detect precancerous cervical lesions and HPV infection in 60 women who attended the gynaecology service at the Maniapure Outpatient Clinic in Bolivar State, Venezuela. The study was carried out to detect precancerous cervical lesions using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), the Schiller test and conventional cytology (Pap testing). HPV detection and typing were carried out using the polymerase chain reaction. 58.3% of the women in the study belonged to the Eñepa indigenous community and 41.7% were white Creole women. The Schiller test showed irregularities in the staining of the exocervical epithelium in 8.33% of the patients, suggesting HPV infection. VIA was positive for 10.0% of the women. In the cytopathology report, 81.67% tested negative for intraepithelial lesions. The overall frequency of HPV detection was 35.0%. HPV infection was detected in 45.71% of the Eñepa women and 20.0% of the Creole women. 71.43% of the women had a high-risk single HPV infection. The percentage of viral infection was lower in the Creole patients than in the indigenous population; therefore, CC screening programmes in the latter population need to be improved.

Expresiones clínicas de los desórdenes potencialmente malignos en cavidad oral. Revisión integrativa de la literatura / Clinical expressions of potentially malignant disorders in oral cavity. integrative review of literature

Antecedentes: Los desórdenes potencialmente malignos (DPM) son aquellas situaciones clínicas en la cavidad bucal que presentan un riesgo aumentado de malignización neoplásica, debido a la exposición a factores de riesgo o alteraciones genéticas. Es necesario realizar revisiones de la evidencia de este tipo de desórdenes para desarrollar o actualizar guías de práctica clínica idóneas. Objetivo: Identificar, a través de una revisión integrativa de la literatura, la evidencia reciente sobre DPM de la cavidad bucal y su transformación maligna, con el fin de proporcionar recomendaciones de manejo diagnóstico y terapéutico. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura en las bases de datos PubMed, Elsevier, SciELO y EMBASE, utilizando la combinación de seis descriptores. Resultados: La búsqueda inicial arrojó 1743 títulos y la muestra consistió en 67 artículos después de aplicar los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Las DPM identificadas fueron liquen plano oral, palatitis nicotínica, hábito de fumar invertido, queilitis actínica, eritroplasia y leucoplasia oral y úlcera traumática crónica. Conclusión: Cada tipo de lesión tiene distinto potencial de malignización, entre los cuales la eritroplasia, el liquen plano oral variante erosivo y la queilitis actínica poseen el mayor riesgo.

Background: Potentially malignant disorders (PMD) are clinical oral cavity conditions that pose an increased risk of neoplastic malignization due to exposure to risk factors or genetic alterations. It is necessary to conduct evidence-based reviews of this type of disorders to develop or update adequate clinical practice guidelines. Purpose: Identify, through an integrative review of literature, recent evidence on PMDs in the oral cavity and their malignant transformation, in order to provide diagnostic and treatment recommendations. Methods: A literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Elsevier, SciELO, and EMBASE, using a combination of six descriptors. Results: The initial search showed 1743 titles and the sample, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, consisted of 67 articles. The PMDs identified were oral lichen planus, nicotinic palatitis, inverted smoking habit, actinic cheilitis, oral erythroplakia and leukoplakia, and chronic traumatic ulcer.

Lesão Cancerizável com aspecto clínico de lesão benigna em paciente tabagista / Malignantly injury with clinical aspect of benign lesion in smoking patients

Introdução: a mucosa bucal e seus anexos são sedes de inúmeras doenças, quer de caráter local, quer representando manifestações bucais de doenças sistêmicas. Neste contexto as lesões com potencial de malignização estão associadas principalmente ao estilo de vida, como hábitos viciosos, consumo de alimentos em temperaturas elevadas e próteses mal-adaptadas. Objetivo: relatar o caso de uma lesão cancerizável com aspecto clínico de lesão benigna. Lesões encontradas na cavidade bucal com caráter de benignidade, devido ao estilo de vida do paciente e hábitos viciosos, podem ter potencial para malignização. O cigarro tem ação química e térmica sobre os tecidos, além de ser um dos principais fatores carcinogênicos com os quais o homem mantém contato por estar presente nas três fases da carcinogênese. Além do tabaco, o gênero, etnia e idade do paciente também estão associados à malignização de lesões bucais, sendo que pacientes masculinos, leucodermas e com mais de 50 anos de idade. são considerados pacientes com risco para malignização de lesões. Relato de caso: Paciente masculino, 65 anos de idade, leucoderma, procurou atendimento odontológico apresentando um nódulo em região de mandíbula, com hipótese diagnóstica clínica de lesão de células gigantes periférica, granuloma piogênico e fibroma de irritação. Optou-se pela biópsia excisional, a qual possibilitou o diagnóstico histopatológico de displasia epitelial severa. O paciente foi encaminhado para cirurgião de cabeça e pescoço e encontra-se em acompanhamento clínico de dois anos sem indícios de recidiva da lesão. Considerações finais: justifica-se a importância do cirurgião-dentista no diagnóstico precoce de lesões cancerizáveis, que por muitas vezes se apresentam sem sintomatologia dolorosa, e apenas ao exame clínico não é possível obter o diagnóstico, necessitando-se de exames complementares, como a biópsia.

Introduction: the buccal mucosa and its annexes are the site of many diseases, both of a local nature or being oral manifestations of systemic diseases. In this context, lesions with malignant potential are associated mainly with lifestyle, such as vicious habits, food consumption at elevated temperatures and maladaptive prostheses. Objective: this study aims to report the case of a cancerous lesion with a clinical aspect of benign lesion. Lesions found in the oral cavity with benignity due to the patient's lifestyle and vicious habits may have potential for malignancy. The cigarette has chemical and thermal action on the tissues, besides being one of the main carcinogenic factors with which the man maintains contact by being present in the three phases of the carcinogenesis. In addition to tobacco, the gender, ethnicity and age of the patient are also associated with the malignancy of oral lesions, and male, leukodermal and over 50-year-old patients are considered patients at risk for malignant lesions. Case report: a 65-year-old male patient, leucoderma, sought dental care presenting a nodule in the mandible region, with clinical diagnosis hypothesis of peripheral giant cell lesion, pyogenic granuloma and irritation fibroma. We chose the excisional biopsy, which made possible the histopathological diagnosis of severe epithelial dysplasia. The patient was referred to a head and neck surgeon and is in clinical follow-up for two years with no evidence of recurrence of the lesion. Final considerations: It is stressed the importance of the dental surgeon in the early diagnosis of cancerous lesions, which often present without pain symptomatology, and only when the clinical examination is not possible to obtain the diagnosis, we need complementary tests, such as biopsy.

Infección genital por el virus de papiloma humano: Grado de información que poseen las pacientes

Objetivo: Determinar el grado de información sobre la infección genital por el virus papiloma humano que poseen pacientes que asistieron al Servicio de Ginecología de la Maternidad “Concepción Palacios” entre noviembre 2012 y octubre 2013. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, transversal. Se incluyó una muestra probabilística de 372 pacientes a quienes se les aplicó una encuesta. Resultados: 257 pacientes (69,1 %) poseían un grado de información bueno; 18 (4,8 %) regular y 97 (26,1 %) malo. Entre las primeras, la edad promedio fue de 41 ± 12 años y 58,8 % pertenecían al estrato IV mientras que, para las últimas, la edad promedio fue de 47 ± 15 años y 64,9 % pertenecían al estrato socioeconómico IV (P=0,000). Entre las pacientes con mayor nivel de conocimiento, 56,8 % tenían entre 26 y 45 años, 58,8 % tenían primaria aprobada y 58,8 % tenían diagnóstico previo de infección por virus de papiloma humano. Entre aquellas con bajo nivel de conocimiento, 36,1 % tenían entre 26 y 45 años, 77,3 % tenían primaria aprobada y 19,6 tenían diagnóstico previo de la infección. Respecto a la información que poseen, 268 saben que es una infección de trasmisión sexual, 251 que el preservativo protege contra la infección, 222 asocian la infección con el inicio temprano de actividad sexual, 261 con el número de parejas sexuales y 212 con el cáncer de cuello uterino. Conclusiones: Un alto porcentaje de pacientes presentan un buen grado de información sobre la infección genital por virus de papiloma humano.

Objective: To determine the knowledge about the genital infection by the human papillomavirus, of patients attending the gynecology department of the Maternity “Concepción Palacios” in the period November 2012 - October 2013. Methods: Prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study included 372 patients who applied a survey. Results: 257 patients (69.1%) possessed a good degree of information; 18 (4.8%) regular and 97 (26.1%) bad. The average age was 41 ± 12 years and 58.8% belonged to the socio-economic stratum IV while for those who had good knowledge of Human Papilloma virus (HPV), for the women´s with less information was average age 47 ± 15 years and 64.9% belonged to the socio-economic stratum IV (P = 0,000). Among the patients with higher levels of knowledge, 56.8% had between 26 and 45 years, 58.8% had elementary school approved and 58.8% had previous diagnosis of HPV infection. Among those with a low level of knowledge, 36.1% had between 26 and 45 years, 77.3% had elementary school approved and 19.6 had previous diagnosis of infection. Respect to the information 268 know that is an infection of sexual transmission, 251 knew the condom protects against the infection, 222 associated the infection with the early begin of activity sexual, 261 with the number of sexual couples and 212 with the cancer of neck uterine. Conclusions: A high percentage of patients have a good knowledge HPV genital infection.

Role of gene polymorphisms in gastric cancer and its precursor lesions: current knowledge and perspectives in Latin American countries.

Latin America shows one of the highest incidence rates of gastric cancer in the world, with variations in mortality rates among nations or even within countries belonging to this region. Gastric cancer is the result of a multifactorial complex process, for which a multistep model of carcinogenesis is currently accepted. Additionally to the infection with Helicobacter pylori, that plays a major role, environmental factors as well as genetic susceptibility factors are significant players at different stages in the gastric cancer process. The differences in population origin, demographic structure, socio-economic development, and the impact of globalization lifestyles experienced in Latin America in the last decades, all together offer opportunities for studying in this context the influence of genetic polymorphisms in the susceptibility to gastric cancer. The aim of this article is to discuss current trends on gastric cancer in Latin American countries and to review the available published information about studies of association of gene polymorphisms involved in gastric cancer susceptibility from this region of the world. A total of 40 genes or genomic regions and 69 genetic variants, 58% representing markers involved in inflammatory response, have been used in a number of studies in which predominates a low number of individuals (cases and controls) included. Polymorphisms of IL-1B (-511 C/T, 14 studies; -31 T/C, 10 studies) and IL-1RN (variable number of tandem repeats, 17 studies) are the most represented ones in the reviewed studies. Other genetic variants recently evaluated in large meta-analyses and associated with gastric cancer risk were also analyzed in a few studies [e.g., prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), CDH1, Survivin]. Further and better analysis centered in gene polymorphisms linked to other covariates, epidemiological studies and the information provided by meta-analyses and genome-wide association studies should help to improve our understanding of gastric cancer etiology in order to develop appropriate health programs in Latin America.

Caracterización clínico epidemiológica de las dermatosis precancerosas / Epidemiological Clinical Characterization of Precancerous Dermatoses

Introducción: el concepto de precancerosis denomina los procesos morbosos que después de un tiempo más o menos largo se transforman de forma segura o probable en un tumor maligno. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento de algunas variables clínico-epidemiológicas en pacientes con diagnóstico de lesiones precancerosas. Métodos: se realizó estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes con dermatosis precancerosas atendidos en el periodo 2010-2011 en la Consulta de Dermatología del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Lucía Íñiguez Landín de Holguín. El universo estuvo constituido por los 3 584 pacientes remitidos a la consulta desde las áreas de salud de la provincia Holguín con diagnóstico clínico de lesiones precancerosas. La muestra se conformó con 721 pacientes mayores de 20 años que dieron su consentimiento informado; se excluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de precancerosis obligadas. Los factores de riesgo estudiados fueron exposición solar, hábito de fumar, piel actínica, fotoenvejecimiento y dermatosis asociadas. Resultados: las dermatosis precancerosas predominantes fueron la queratosis actínica (41,7%) y la atrofia senil (44,9%). Las áreas fotoexpuestas fueron las localizaciones más frecuentes. Las enfermedades asociadas más frecuente fueron otras dermatosis y enfermedades crónicas no trasmisibles. Se distinguieron entre los factores de riesgo la exposición solar (70,3%), la piel actínica (41,3%) y el fotoenvejecimiento (38,6%). Conclusiones: los tipos de dermatosis más frecuentes encontradas fueron la atrofia senil y la queratosis actínica; así como los fototipos I y II de la piel, asociada con factores de riesgo como la exposición prolongada al sol, la piel actínica y el fotoenvejecimiento.

Introduction: the concept of precancerosis included the disease processes that after a longer or shorter period could probably become in a malignancy Objective: to determine the behavior of some clinical and epidemiological variables in patients with precancerous lesions. Methods: a cross-sectional descriptive study of patients with precancerous dermatoses treated from January 2010 to December 2011 in the Dermatology Consultation of Lucia Iñiguez Landin Surgical Hospital of Holguin was carried out. The universe comprised 3 584 patients referred for consultation from health areas of Holguín province with a clinical diagnosis of precancerous lesions. The sample consisted of 721 patients older than 20 years who gave informed consent; patients with a diagnosis of required precancerosis were excluded. The risk factors studied were sun exposure, smoking, actinic skin, photo aging and associated dermatoses. Results: the predominant precancerous dermatoses were actinic keratosis (41.7%) and senile atrophy (44.9%). The exposed areas were the most frequent. The most frequent associated diseases were other dermatoses and non-communicable chronic diseases. The outstanding risk factors were sun exposure (70.3%), actinic skin (41.3%) and photo aging (38.6%). Conclusions: the most common types of skin diseases found were senile atrophy and actinic keratosis as well as the types I and II of the skin, associated with the following risk factors: prolonged sun exposure, actinic skin and photo aging.

Estudio citomorfométrico de pacientes con cáncer y desórdenes potencialmente malignos de la cavidad bucal / Citomorphometric study of patients with cancer and potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity

La detección temprana de lesiones bucales promete aumentar sobrevivencia y reducir la morbilidad de los pacientes que sufren esta condición. Un método alternativo para el examen de lesiones en la cavidad bucal, es la citología. Objetivo: valorar las relaciones del tamaño núcleo/citoplasma de células de mucosa bucal sana, de lesiones bucales potencialmente malignas y de cáncer bucal, obtenidas con citología exfoliativa utilizando citomorfometría. Material y método: Se realizó citología a 22 pacientes, de ambos sexos, con edades entre 23 y 81 años utilizando cytobrush. Las muestras se dividieron en tres grupos: 1) citologías de pacientes con lesiones de cáncer bucal (n=7); 2) citologías de pacientes con desórdenes bucales potencialmente malignos (leucoplasia y líquen) (n=15); 3) citologías del lado sano de pacientes con lesiones de cáncer y desórdenes bucales potencialmente malignos (grupo control) (n=15). Se seleccionaron 30 células de cada paciente y se midió el área nuclear (AN), la citoplasmática (AC) y se calculó la relación AN/AN. Se utilizó el Test de Kruskal Wallis y el Sofware estadístico Infostat. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los tres grupos estudiados al valorar la relación AN/AC. Teniendo en cuenta el género, se observó que en las mujeres se diferenciaron significativamente las células del grupo control de las de los grupos de lesiones. En el género masculino se observaron diferencias significativas entre los tres grupos celulares. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los diferentes grupos etarios .Discusión: A pesar de las diferencias significativas entre los géneros, no es posible hacer una buena separación de los tres grupos de estudio, utilizando solamente citología exfoliativa.

Early detection of bucal lesions promises to increase survival and to reduce morbidity in patients suffering from this condition. An alternative method for examining lesions in the bucal cavity is cytology. Objective: To assess by cytomorphometry the relationship of size nucleus / cytoplasm of superficial cells from healthy bucal mucosa, from potentially malignant bucal disordes lesions and bucal cancer using exfoliative cytology. Material and methods: PAP smear was performed in 22 patients of both gender, aged between 23 and 81. Cytobrush was used. The samples were divided into three study groups: 1) smears of patients with bucal cancer lesions (n = 7), 2) smears of patients with potentially malignant bucal disordes lesions (n = 15), lesions considered were leukoplakia and lichens ; 3) (control group) (n=15): smears of the healthy side of patients with cancer and potentially malignant bucal disordes lesions.Thirty cells were selected for each patient and the nuclear area (NA), cytoplasmic area (CA) were measured and the ratio NA / CA was calculated. We used Kruskal Wallis and Statistical Software InfoStat. Results: No significant differences were found between the three groups studied the relationship NA / CA was assesed . When comparing cells from each of the three groups considering the gender of the patients separately, we found that in women differ significantly from the control group cells and groups of injuries, we could not discriminate between cells obtained from potentially malignant bucal disordes lesions and cancer lesions . In the male gender differences were significant among the three cell groups. Discusion: Despite the significant gender differences, we could not difference the three study groups using only exfoliative cytology.