Significance of mast cells in non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of uterine cervix

Background: Mast cells are involved in multiple biological events. The significance of mast cells in non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the cervix has been studied with conflicting results. Its presence in a tumor has been described as evidence of host immunologic antitumor response, angiogenesis and tumor invasion. Aims/Objectives: To study mast cell density in various cervical lesions using Toluidine blue stain. To compare the sections studied with conventional Toluidine blue staining and Toluidine blue staining by reducing the pH. Methodology: Cervical biopsy/hysterectomy specimens from archives of the Department of Pathology were considered for the study. The sections were studied for histomorphology and mast cell density. The mast cell density was assessed by Toluidine blue staining by conventional method and another method by reducing pH using weak HCL. The stained slides were reviewed for mast cell density under 10 high power field and statistically analyzed. Results: Total of 100 cases was studied. Normal cervix 7 cases with the mean age of 44.29 and the mean mast cell density of 45.43. Chronic cervicitis and polypoidal endocervicitis were 26 and 28 cases, the mean age of 45.38 years and 39.14 years and the mean mast cell count of 48.38 and 66.96 respectively. Intraepithelial lesions and malignancy were 23 and 16 cases, the mean age of 43.56 years and 52.26 years and the mean mast cell of 34.47and 34.6 respectively. The maximum number of mast cells was seen in polypoidal endocervicitis and the least number in squamous cell carcinoma of cervix. Conclusion: The role of mast cell differs in inflammatory and neoplastic lesions of cervix. Mast cells has an active role in inflammatory lesions.