Malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands in northern Pakistan: a clinicopathological study

Malignant tumors of the minor salivary glands comprise a small but significant proportion of oral cancers. We analyzed this group of tumors in our population. The records of all cases of malignant minor salivary gland tumors diagnosed at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology [AFIP], Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during a period of 10 years [1994-2003] are described. The institute receives biopsy material from armed forces and public and private sector hospitals in northern Pakistan as well as referrals for second opinion. A total of 21168 tumors were recorded at the AFIP Tumor Registry during the study period. These included 70 malignant minor salivary gland tumors. Twenty-three of these [32.8%] arose in the palate while the remaining tumors originated at other sites in the oral cavity. The commonest histological type was adenoid cystic carcinoma, constituting 30 cases [42.8%]. The next most common type was mucoepidermoid carcinoma; comprising 26 [37.1%] cases. The mean age of cases was 43.4 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.4 There were 2 cases each of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma and clear cell adenocarcinoma. The remaining cases included undifferentiated carcinomas, adenocarcinomas [not otherwise specified] and a few other rare tumors. Adenoid cystic carcinoma was the commonest malignant neoplasm of the minor salivary gland followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma. The palate was the commonest location of these tumors

Evaluation and pattern of nickel dermatitis in patients with allergic contact dermatitis

Nickel is the most common allergen in allergic contact dermatitis with diverse clinical manifestations. To evaluate the clinical pattern of nickel dermatitis in our community by patch testing. 200 patients with clinical suspicion of allergic contact dermatitis of any age and either sex presenting to the department of dermatology, Mayo Hospital, Lahore were enrolled. All were patch tested using European Standard series. 23% patients had nickel sensitivity. Majority were housewives between 20-40 years of age, belonging to urban middle class. Duration of disease ranged from 2 months to 12 years. Previous history of metal allergy was seen in 41% patients. Polysensitivity was noted in 37% cases. Clinical judgment alone maybe misleading in making a correct diagnosis and patch testing with the European Standard Series is worthwhile

Correlation between pulmonary function abnormalities and sputum cytological finding in cigarette smokers

To evaluate the relationship between changes of lung function parameters and sputum cytology among smokers with or without chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and non-smoker healthy controls, sixty nine male cases were studied. Thirty two patients were in smokers' group [n=22 COPD, mean age + SD, 41+5 years old, n=10 without COPD, mean age + SD, 61+11 years old] twenty nine in ex-smokers group [n=23 COPD, mean age + SD, 61+11 years old, n=6 without COPD, mean age + SD, 41+5 years old] and eight in non-smokers healthy group [mean age + SD, 40+7 years]. Spirometric measurements FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio were noted and sputum processed and cell counts were performed by a blinded observer. There was a negative correlation FEV1/FVC ratio and increasing age [r=-0.72, p<0.001], same with duration of cigarette smoking [r=-0.66] and also with pack-year cigarette smoking [r=-0.66]. Neutrophil counts were significantly increased in smoker and ex-smoker groups as compared to non-smokers group [p<0.005]. There were significant differences in the number of macrophages, pigmented macrophages, neutrophils, mucus spirals and columnar epithelial cells [p<0.001]. This study concludes that cessation of cigarette smoking could reduce number of inflammatory cells and my improve airway obstruction