Cytological Alterations in Oral Mucosa Among Cigarette, Shisha, and E-Cigarette Users in Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Study

Faris M. Elmahdi, Barakh A. Alnahdi

Abstract: Tobacco use, including emerging alternatives like shisha and e-cigarettes, poses significant health risks beyond the systemic level. This study evaluates cytological alterations in the oral mucosa among users of cigarettes, shisha, and e-cigarettes, compared to nonsmokers. A total of 350 participants were examined using Papanicolaou staining of buccal smears, with cytological abnormalities assessed statistically. Results revealed significantly higher rates of abnormalities among smokers, with e-cigarette users exhibiting the most pronounced nuclear changes such as atypia and binucleation. The findings underscore the importance of oral cytology in early detection and highlight the urgent need for targeted smoking cessation policies.

Keywords: Cytological abnormalities, oral mucosa, e-cigarette, shisha, cigarette smoking

How to Cite?: Faris M. Elmahdi, Barakh A. Alnahdi, "Cytological Alterations in Oral Mucosa Among Cigarette, Shisha, and E-Cigarette Users in Saudi Arabia: A Comparative Study", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1856-1860, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25727131917, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25727131917