Publication of the first journal of dentistry in Iran

The first scientific journal of dentistry in Iran was published by the [Iranian Dentists' Syndicate] [called in Persian[Sandikay-e Dandanpezeshkan-e Iran]] in 1951. A brief account of the journal and its editorial board is presented here

Massive gingival overgrowth leading to the diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: review of the literature and report of a case

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome [EDS] is a connective tissue disease characterized by abnormalities of collagen molecules. At least eleven forms of the disease, based upon the biochemical and clinical characteristics, have been identified Type IV EDS has been identified by deficiency of Type II collagen and causes life-threatening damages to major blood vessels and internal organs. Type VIII EDS has been characterized by advanced periodontitis causing early exfoliation of teeth in young adults and children. These original concepts are questioned with the recent observation that advanced periodontitis has been reported in Type IV EDS. Re-appraisal of early classifications is recommended. The case presented adds a new clinical feature to the periodontal abnormalities with no alveolar bone reabsorption in EDS

Oral cancer: an epidemiological study of squamous cell carcinoma in Iran [1972-1991]

Studies on oral cancer based on reliable data analyses have not been published to date in Iran. This epidemiological study has been undertaken in an attempt to analyze possible patterns or oral SCC distribution in Iran between 1972 and 1991. In this study, more than 2180 cases of lip and intraoral squamous cell carcinoma [SCC] were found and analyzed for age, sex, lesion site, histologic grading and finally, possible etiologic factors associated with the lesions. The primary results showed that SCC was the most common type of oral cancer comprising 50.7% of all tumors. The lips were the most common site followed by the tongue, the gingiva, the buccal mucosat the palate and the floor of the mouth. The peak age was the sixth decade [50-59 years], the mean age was 57.2 years and the m/f ratio was 3.6. It seems that cigarette smoking, opium smoking and tobacco chewing followed by denture injuries play a significant role in the etiology of the lesions. In addition, evidence shows an association between lip cancer and an HSV-1 infection

Plasmocytoid myoepithelioma of minor salivary glands: ultrastructural analysis of four cases

In general, myoepithelioma is a rare salivary gland tumor. Four cases of plasmacytoid myoepithelioma of the minor salivary glands, with ultrastructural confirmation, are reported. Clinical examinations of these cases revealed gradually growing, protruding masses. The main site of involvement was the hard palate [2 cases]