Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine
  • Year: 2017
  • Volume: 39
  • Issue: 1

Dermatoglyphics as a Preliminary Diagnostic Tool in Leukoplakia, Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • Author:
  • V Smitha1, Mujib. B. R. Ahmed2, Neethu Telagi3, A. B. Manjunath4, Divyasri Godavarthy5, G Shalini6
  • Total Page Count: 6
  • Page Number: 40 to 45

1Post graduate student, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere

2Prof. & Head, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere

3Reader, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere

4Senior Lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere

5, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere

6Post graduate students, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere

Online published on 19 July, 2017.

Abstract

Dermatoglyphics are the dermal ridge configurations on the digits, palms and soles. They are genetically determined and influenced by environmental forces that operate before birth. Not all the people using tobacco suffer from precancerous and cancerous lesions of oral cavity. Genetic predisposition might explain such an individual variability that can be predicted by using various cytogenetic markers. However, these studies are far more costly and complicated. Several studies have shown an association between dermatoglyphics and different types of cancer. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine whether specific dermatoglyphic patterns exist which help in predicting the occurrence of Leukoplakia, OSMF and OSCC.

Fingerprints of 160 individuals were divided into four groups, 40 patients with Leukoplakia, 40 patients with OSMF, 40 patients with OSCC and 40 healthy individuals were recorded with the help of Korex duplicating ink. Then the finger print patterns were analysed using Stereomicroscope Leica Wild M3Z equipped with Germany Progres Capture Pro Jenoptik Version 8.0.8 Image analysis software.

Arches and loops were more predominant in Leukoplakia, OSMF and OSCC and whereas in healthy group, whorl patterns were more predominant. Since the data is qualitative type, Chi square test was used for statistical analysis. P value of 0.05 or less was considered for statistical significance.

Dermatoglyphics can be used to identify high risk group, so that early preventive measures can be instituted in order to prevent the occurrence of these lesions.

Keywords

Dermatoglyphics, Oral Leukoplakia, Oral Submucous Fibrosis, Oral Squamous Cell