Fungal infections of the oral mucosa.

Fungal infections in humans occur as a result of defects in the immune system. An increasing emergence in oral Candidal and non-Candidal fungal infections is evident in the past decade owing to the rise in the immunodeficient and immunocompromised population globally. Oral Candidal infection usually involves a compromised host and the compromise may be local or systemic. Local compromising factors include decreased salivation, poor oral hygiene, wearing dentures among others while systemic factors include diabetes mellitus, nutritional deficiency, HIV infection/AIDS and others. Oral candidiasis is generally a localized infection and rarely appears as a systemic fungal disease whereas oral non-Candidal fungal infections are usually signs of disseminated disease. Some of the non-Candidal fungi that were once considered exotic and geographically restricted are now seen worldwide, beyond their natural habitat, probably attributed to globalization and travels. Currently infections from these fungi are more prevalent than before and they may present either as primary oral lesions or as oral manifestations of systemic mycoses. This review discusses the various predisposing factors, clinical presentations, clinical differential diagnosis, diagnosis and management of oral candidiasis, as well as briefly highlights upon a few of the more exotic non-Candidal fungi that infect the oral mucosa.

Sialo-odontogenic cyst--a case report.

Sialo-odontogenic cyst is an uncommon cyst of odontogenic origin that occurs in the tooth bearing areas of the jaws. These lesions are histopathologically unique, biologically aggressive and may sometimes warrant distinction from central muco-epidermoid carcinoma and botryoid variant of the lateral odontogenic cyst. Sialo-odontogenic cysts tend to recur and various factors are quoted for their recurrence viz., the presence of microcysts, thin connective tissue wall, etc. We are herewith reporting a case of sialo-odontogenic cyst for its relative rarity among the odontogenic cysts.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma report of a case and review of literature.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is an aggressive distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma that mandates recognition as a separate entity owing to the difference in its clinical behaviour. Histologically this tumor can mimic other neoplasms like adenoid cystic carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma and basal cell adenocarcinoma. BSCC occurs most commonly in older men and has a site predilection for the upper aero-digestive tract. We report a case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma for its relative rarity, which was diagnosed in a 52 year old woman, with a brief review of literature.