title: Apoptotic index and proliferative index in premalignant and malignant squamous cell lesions of the oral cavity.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Oral squamous cell lesions are most commonly diagnosed lesions in India. Both premalignant and malignant lesions are frequently encountered. In this study, we evaluated the role and significance of apoptotic indices (AI) and proliferative indices (PI) in premalignant and malignant squamous cell lesions of the oral cavity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 62 histologically proven cases of premalignant and malignant oral squamous cell lesions were analyzed. The biopsies were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and also with monoclonal antibody Ki-67. AI and PI were assessed using a light microscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AI was found to increase gradually from normal to dysplasia to carcinoma. The highest AI was seen in well-differentiated squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). PI also was found to increase significantly from normal to dysplasia to carcinoma. The highest PI was seen in poorly differentiated SCC.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AI in conjunction with the PI offers an accurate idea as to the nature and course of the lesion and may help to plan timely surgical intervention that results in better clinical prognosis and outcome.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of General Pathology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Vidya
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Viswanathan
authors.affiliation: Consultant Periodontist & General Dentist, Private Practice, Dunlap, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: Ravichandra
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Juluri
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of General Pathology, Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Santosh University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Seema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Goel
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of General Pathology, Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Santosh University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Jyotsna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Madan
authors.affiliation: Professor, Department of General Pathology, Santosh Medical College & Hospital, Santosh University, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Subir K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Mitra
authors.affiliation: Professor and Head, Department of Periodontology & Oral Implantology, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Dharmarajan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gopalakrishnan
keywords: Apoptosis; Ki-67; proliferation