Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the submandibular gland in a 6yr old boy

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma [MEC] of the salivary glands are rarely found in childhood we report the case of a 6-year old boy presenting with 2-month history of submandibular swelling. In oral examination, a non-tender, firm mass was detected in the submandibular region involving the left cheek and left angle of the mandible. It was firm in consistency with obvious areas of multiple nodularity along the inferior border of the mass. Clinically there were no palpable lymph nodes. Radiographs revealed a radiolucent lesion in the left body of the mandible. The tumor showed sheets and nests of predominantly epidermoid cells along with occasional large pale mucous-like cells and frosted-glass appearance infiltrating the fibro-connective tissue. The lesion was diagnosed as mucoepidermoid carcinoma, high grade type

Unusual cause of mandibular fracture in a Nigerian girl

Maxillofacial fractures in the pediatric age group are relatively uncommon. Falls, sport-related injuries and road traffic crashes [RTC] constitute the most frequent causes of facial fractures in children. Social, cultural and environment factors vary from one country to another and these factors have been reported to influence the incidence and etiology of mandibular trauma. An unusual cause of mandibular fracture in a Nigerian girl is presented

Explanatory models of and attitudes towards Oral Cancer in two Nigerian ethnic groups: Implocations in treatment and preventive program

This paper examines, through interview and tape recording the perceptions of patients with oral cancers from two Nigerian ethnic groups as regard the causes and treatment of cancer. 50% of the participants from the Yoruba ethnic group attributed the cause of cancer to [hands of others] explaining that they were harmed by supernatural forces [evil spirits and ancestral spirits] while 72% of patients from the Hausa/ Fulani ethnic group attributed cancer to the [will of God]. Majority of participants from both ethnic groups understood caner as [an incurable illness that causes suffering and pain]. 20 [77%] of 26 patients from the Yoruba ethnic group consulted the traditional healers for treatment before coming to the hospital. Cultural and religious factors seem to play an important role in the explanations, labels and the treatment of cancer in this environment. There is a need for greater collaboration and information sharing between the modern medical practitioners and traditional healers with regard to cancer. Studies of this nature may provide a solid foundation for the development of culturally appropriate strategies to meet the health need as regards treatment and preventive program for cancers in developing countries

Diagnosis and management of cleft lip and palate by primary health care workers

Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital craniofacial abnormalities. Patients with this birth defect often have numerous health care needs, including feeding difficulties, chronic ear infections, dental and speech problems. In Sub-Saharan Africa three out of every tour deliveries take place at the primary level of health care, Primary health care workers can therefore be a significant resource in cleft diagnosis and treatment. By providing necessary information to parents and appropriate initial health care needs for infants and children with cleft deformity, the primary health care worker could minimize morbidity in children with this birth defect and can be a helpful link between families and the multidisciplinary cleft team