Cytomorphological Changes in Sputum Among Woodworkers in Shendi City, River Nile State, Sudan

Abstract

Sahar Abd Elhade A. Mohammed, Mohammed Abdelgader Elsheikh, Bishoy Faiz Malad Dawud, Tibyan Abd Almajed Altaher, Ghanem Mohammed Mahjaf and Asma Alameer M. Zeen

Background Sputum cytology examines a sputum (mucus) sample under a microscope to determine whether abnormal cells are present. Sputum is not the same as saliva. Sputum is produced in the lungs and the airways leading to the lungs. Sputum has some normal lung cells in it. Sputum cytology may be done to help detect certain non-cancerous lung conditions. It may also be done when lung cancer is suspected.

Materials and Methods This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among woodworkers from December 2022 to February 2024. This study aimed to detect cytological changes in sputum. Eighty sputum samples (40 from cases, another 40 from controls) were taken from woodworkers as cases and healthy nonwood workers individuals as a control group; collected samples were processed through the conventional cytological method.

Results The most everyday age group among woodworkers ranged from 41 to 60 years old; there was a significant association between cellular changes and carpenter occupation (woodworkers) as the p-value was less than 0.05. Our results showed that carpenter occupation causes cytoplasm atypia more than nuclear atypia. Also, the result indicated a significant statistical difference between cases and controls regarding cellular degeneration changes.

Conclusion Wood workers' occupation is associated with sputum cellular changes such as cytoplasm atypia and cellular degeneration changes.

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