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Stomatologija 2026; 28 (2): 40-6 419 KB

Multinucleated giant cells: Do they have an impact on prognosis and overall survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma?

Kuldeep Singh^*, Priya Kumar^*, Aadithya B. Urs^*

Summary

Background. Multinucleated Giant Cells (MGCs) are akin to immune cells that play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. MGCs have been shown to have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects. This study explores the role of MGCs in OSCC and their prognostic value.

Material and methods. 100 proven cases of OSCC were retrieved with complete clinicopathological data. Haematoxylin-eosin sections were reviewed independently by three pathologists and grouped into two, with and without MGCs. The distribution, and average number of MGCs per 5 high-power fields per case were examined. All clinicopathological parameters and prognosis based on Bryne’s grading were compared between groups. The overall survival with follow-up period of >36 months was analysed.

Results. 34 cases with MGCs were found, out of which 21 patients are alive. Cases with MGCs had pTNM stage III whereas majority of cases without MGC’s had stage IV. Signifi cant correlation was found for lympho-vascular invasion only. Cases with MGC’s showed good prognostic score according to Bryne’s grading, while without MGC’s showed moderate to poor prognostic score. Cases of alveolar mucosa, including gingiva and ridge SCC with MGCs, showed poor survival.

Conclusions. This study highlights the potential role of MGCs in OSCC, suggesting an association with earlier tumor stages and favorable prognostic scores. Further research is needed to assess their prognostic and therapeutic relevance.

Key words: Bryne’s grading system, clinico-pathological parameters, multinucleated giant cell, oral squamous cell carcinoma, overall survival, prognosis.

Received: 08 07 2025

Accepted for publishing: 22 06 2026

^*Department of Oral Pathology, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, India

Address correspondence to Priya Kumar, Department of Oral Pathology, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, India.

E-mail address: drpri_kumar@yahoo.com



	Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal

2026, Vol. 28, No. 2 CONTENTS REVIEWS Lag screw vs miniplate fixation in treatment of condylar neck fractures: A systematic review Augustinas Buškus, Jan Pavel Rokicki, Simas Steponaitis 35-39 SCIENTIFIC ARTICLES Multinucleated giant cells: Do they have an impact on prognosis and overall survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma? Kuldeep Singh, Priya Kumar, Aadithya B. Urs 40-46 REVIEWS Relation of gubernacular canal and permanent dentition by Nolla stage: Cone-beam computed tomography analysis Ana Luisa Marques Bemquerer, Larissa Marques Bemquerer, Lucas Guimarães Abreu, Cláudia Borges Brasileiro 47-52 CASE REPORTS The management dilemma of alveolar bone fracture: Case report and narrative review Oumayma El Yacoubi, Akram Belmehdi, Bassima Chami 53-58 Focal reactive gingival overgrowth: Diagnosis, histopathological evaluation and management Meenu Taneja Bhasin, Karuna Joshi, Gunjan Gupta, C. S. Baiju, Shefali Malik, Sunny Mavi 59-64 © 2026 Stomatologija		Stomatologija 2026; 28 (2): 40-6 419 KB Multinucleated giant cells: Do they have an impact on prognosis and overall survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma? Kuldeep Singh^, Priya Kumar^, Aadithya B. Urs^* Summary Background. Multinucleated Giant Cells (MGCs) are akin to immune cells that play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. MGCs have been shown to have both tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressing effects. This study explores the role of MGCs in OSCC and their prognostic value. Material and methods. 100 proven cases of OSCC were retrieved with complete clinicopathological data. Haematoxylin-eosin sections were reviewed independently by three pathologists and grouped into two, with and without MGCs. The distribution, and average number of MGCs per 5 high-power fields per case were examined. All clinicopathological parameters and prognosis based on Bryne’s grading were compared between groups. The overall survival with follow-up period of >36 months was analysed. Results. 34 cases with MGCs were found, out of which 21 patients are alive. Cases with MGCs had pTNM stage III whereas majority of cases without MGC’s had stage IV. Signifi cant correlation was found for lympho-vascular invasion only. Cases with MGC’s showed good prognostic score according to Bryne’s grading, while without MGC’s showed moderate to poor prognostic score. Cases of alveolar mucosa, including gingiva and ridge SCC with MGCs, showed poor survival. Conclusions. This study highlights the potential role of MGCs in OSCC, suggesting an association with earlier tumor stages and favorable prognostic scores. Further research is needed to assess their prognostic and therapeutic relevance. Key words: Bryne’s grading system, clinico-pathological parameters, multinucleated giant cell, oral squamous cell carcinoma, overall survival, prognosis. Received: 08 07 2025 Accepted for publishing: 22 06 2026 ^*Department of Oral Pathology, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, India Address correspondence to Priya Kumar, Department of Oral Pathology, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, India. E-mail address: drpri_kumar@yahoo.com