Scanning electron microscopy of dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)-treated hamster cheek pouch

The aim of the present study was to describe changes which could be regarded as a result of neoplastic rather than inflammatory processes. Fifty-five weeks after 6 weeks of DMBA application to the cheek pouches of 5 male hamsters there were 4 types of lesion : larger ulcerated sessile ; smaller non-ulcerated sessile ; non-ulcerated pedunculated ; conical projections. These and the rest of the pouches were examined by scanning electron and light microscopy. The interlesional mucosa, non-ulcerated sessile lesions and conical projections were covered by flat polygonal cells with either a honeycomb surface pattern of interconnecting microridges, or microridges arranged into more parallel lines. Cell imprints and boundaries were formed by linear ridges, grooves or both. Pedunculated lesions had flat smooth-surfaced cells and cells with a honeycomb surface pattern. None of these lesions were carcinomas by light microscopy but the ulcerated sessile lesions were. The appearance of the cells on the ulcerated lesions varied : flat, with a variable number of short microvilli that were often knob-like, isolated short microridges, or both ; plump, giving a cobblestone appearance with surfaces that were smooth, covered by microvilli, short microridges or both. Such appearances have been described as characteristic for dysplastic and malignant stratified squamous epithelium in a number of sites. Further study of both experimental and naturally occurring mucosal disease is needed to validate this.