Background: Cellular cannibalism has been considered as an important morphologic feature exclusively seen in aggressive malignancies. It is defined as the ability of a cell to engulf another living cell leading eventually to the death of the internalized cell. It has been seen in several malignancies and they are associated with the degree of anaplasia, invasive and metastatic potential of tumor cells. Cannibalistic cells (CC) could serve as a valuable tool in assessing tumor behavior in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate the presence of CC and to correlate its role in aggressive nature of OSCC.
Material and methods: 30 histopathologically proven cases of OSCC were included in our study. The CC was evaluated in the lesional tissue and the data was analyzed using Chi Square test.
Result: All the cases showed presence of CC. Grade 1 CC was found in 12 cases, Grade II CC was found in 9 cases, Grade III CC was found in 9 cases.
Conclusion: Cannibalistic cells can easily identifiable under light microscope without use of any advanced and expensive molecular techniques. Thus aggressive nature of OSCC can be routinely assessed.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
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