COMPARATIVE STUDY AMONG HISTOLOGIC GRADUATION SYSTEMS OF ORAL EPITHELIAL DYSPLASIAS

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the histologic grading systems for oral epithelial dysplasia (ODE). Study Design One hundred slides of ODE containing cases selected from 2 distinct oral pathology services were examined by 4 evaluators, who classified each case according to the architectural and cytologic criteria and were diagnosed according to the World Health Organization (WHO) system and binary. In addition to these 2 systems, a third form of analysis was considered, taking into account the presence or absence of ODE. Results The results were statistically analyzed in a descriptive way and by the correlation methods (Kendall tau-B and Phi test) and concordance (kappa). The WHO graduation system presented lower agreement among the evaluators; the best agreement among the evaluators occurred when considering the presence or absence of dysplasia; and in addition, it has been observed that less experienced oral pathologists tend to have more severe diagnoses than those with a longer career. Conclusions The lack of interobserver agreement was evident, highlighting the need for further studies, due to the great importance and relevance of OEDs.