Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Buccal Mucosa: A Rare Case Report.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm most commonly originating in salivary glands of head and neck region. Among intra oral adenoid cystic carcinoma, buccal mucosa is among the rarest sites. We report a case of adenoid cystic of buccal mucosa in a 40-year old female. We have discussed the clinical features, histopathology, diagnosis and treatment along with a brief review of the relevant literature. Although the buccal mucosa is an uncommon site for adenoid cystic carcinoma, the relatively indolent growth pattern of this case and its location which is rather atypical for this type of salivary gland malignancy primarily warrants the necessity behind reporting of this case. Secondly, adenoid cystic carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of mass of buccal mucosa. It is important to identify such cases rather early and surgical removal with adequate margins is the treatment of choice .

Estimation of iron overloads using oral exfoliative cytology in beta-thalassemia major patients.

BACKGROUND: Iron overload is a medical condition that occurs when too much of the mineral iron builds up inside the body and produces a toxic reaction. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder of hemoglobin synthesis, which requires regular blood transfusion therapy, and the lack of specific excretory pathways for iron in humans leads to iron overload in the body tissues. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients. The estimation of iron levels in exfoliated buccal mucosal cells may provide a simple, noninvasive, and a safe procedure for estimating the iron overload by using the Perls' Prussian blue stain. METHODS: Smears were obtained from buccal mucosa of 40 randomly selected beta-thalassemia major patients and 40 healthy subjects as controls. Smears were stained with Perls' Prussian blue method. Blood samples were taken for estimation of serum ferritin levels. Images of smears were analyzed using the software image J software version 1.47v and correlated with serum ferritin. RESULTS: Perls' positivity was observed in 87.5% of thalassemic patients with a positive correlation to serum ferritin levels. CONCLUSION: The use of exfoliative buccal mucosal cells for the evaluation of iron overloads in the body provides us with a diagnostic medium that is noninvasive, easy to collect, store, and transport, cost effective, and above all reliable.