Tumor-Associated Tissue Eosinophilia in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Histopathologic Grading.

Abstract

Tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) has been associated with various tumors, including oral squamous cell carcinoma. However, the precise role of TATE in these contexts remains to be fully elucidated. The present study was undertaken to investigate the presence of tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and its correlation with histopathologic grading. A total of 70 OSCC tissue samples were collected between 2016 and 2020 for examination. The samples comprised 60 previously diagnosed cases of OSCC, classified as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC), moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (MDSCC), and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC). Two observers independently assessed TATE using Sirius red stain, with the average eosinophil count evaluated in 10 fields under the ×40 objective lens. Statistical analysis involved the Student t-test, One-way ANOVA, and chi-square test. The study encompassed 70 OSCC samples and corresponding healthy tissue, with OSCC predominantly found in the tongue, representing 61.4% of cases. The total eosinophil count per high-power field (HPF10) was significantly higher in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to healthy tissue. Furthermore, the mean TATE score was found to be considerably elevated in OSCC tissue. However, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a statistically non-significant association between different grades of OSCC and eosinophil counts. However, the chi-square test did not indicate a significant association between eosinophil count and gender or age group. The present study underscores the heightened eosinophil count observed in cancerous tissues compared to healthy tissues. However, the variability in eosinophil counts across distinct OSCC grades remains ambiguous. Further investigation is recommended to delve into the infiltration of eosinophils in solid tumors and their potential role in predicting malignancies, particularly in OSCC.