ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cancer invasion is a critical step for tumor growth and its progression. The focus on epithelial changes is shifting to increasing recognition that the microenvironment makes significant contributions to tumor progression. Stromal myofibroblasts play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis due to its ability to modify the extracellular matrix. Based on this literary evidence, we carried out an immunohistochemical study to observe the expression of myofibroblasts in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate, compare, and correlate the presence of myofibroblasts in normal oral mucosa, oral epithelial dysplasia, and OSCC and to observe different patterns of myofibroblast arrangement using alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as a marker, Thus assisting in early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of oral carcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six cases including 12 cases of OSCC, 12 cases of epithelial dysplasia, and 12 cases of normal oral mucosa were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to confirm the diagnosis and immunohistochemically using α-SMA antibody. The slides were evaluated for positivity and intensity of staining. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The result was subjected to statistical analysis using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: α-SMA expression in the stroma of squamous cell carcinoma was greater than its expression in epithelial dysplasia and normal oral mucosa.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is a major public health problem in India. A key factor that has led to lack of improvement in prognosis of oral cancer over the years, is delay in diagnosis and treatment. In many instances, a significant proportion of oral squamous cell carcinomas develop from premalignant lesions and conditions. Identification of such lesions and conditions is very important in order to prevent malignant transformation. The role of fungal infections has been studied and holds promise as an indicator to predict malignant transformation. So we designed a study to analyze the prevalence of fungal hyphae in biopsies of patients with clinically diagnosed cases of premalignant lesions and conditions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the prevalence of fungal hyphae in biopsies of patients with clinically diagnosed cases of potentially malignant lesions and conditions and to assess the possible association between the degree of epithelial dysplasia and presence or absence of fungal hyphae. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinically suspected and histopathologically diagnosed 70 cases of potentially malignant lesions and conditions (29 leukoplakia, 16 submucous fibrosis and 25 lichen planus) made up the study group. Three tissue sections (5µm) of each were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), periodic acid-Schiff's reagent (PAS) and Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS) and evaluated for fungal hyphae. The data collected was statistically analyzed by using Chi-square test and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS: The estimated prevalence of fungal hyphae in cases with or without dysplasia in leukoplakia was 41.4%, lichen planus 36% and submucous fibrosis 25%. There was a significant association between degree of epithelial dysplasia with presence or absence of fungal hyphae in all the study groups. CONCLUSION: Presence of fungal hyphae in potentially malignant lesions and conditions may prove to be a useful indicator in predicting malignant transformation.
ABSTRACT
First branchial cleft anomaly is a rare disease of the head and neck. Because of its rarity, first branchial cleft anomaly is often misdiagnosed and results in inappropriate management. In this article, we present a case of type II first branchial cleft anomaly. A middle-aged woman who had suffered from swelling on lower jaw visited our department with the chief complaint of a swelling. She underwent complete excision of the lesion with preservation of the facial nerve. The patient recovered well and had no recurrence at 1-year of follow up.
ABSTRACT
People with HIV/HBsAg in India frequently encounter discrimination while seeking and receiving health care services. The knowledge and attitudes of health care workers (HCWs) influences the willingness and ability of people with HIV/HBsAg to access care, and the quality of the care they receive. The objective of this study was to asses HIV/HBsAg-related knowledge, attitudes and risk perception among students and dental HCWs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 250 students and 120 dental HCWs in the form of objective questionnaire. Information was gathered regarding demographic details (age, sex, duration of employment, job category); HIV/ HBsAg-related knowledge and attitudes; risk perception; and previous experience caring for HIV-positive patients. The HCWs in this study generally had a positive attitude to care for the people with HIV/HBsAg. However, this was tempered by substantial concerns about providing care, and the fear of occupational infection with HIV/HBsAg. A continuing dental education program was conducted to resolve all the queries found interfering to provide care to HIV/HBsAg patients. But even after the queries were resolved the care providing capability was not attained. These findings show that even with advanced knowledge and facilities the attitude of dental HCWs and students require more strategic training with regards to the ethics and moral stigma associated with the dreaded infectious diseases (HIV/HBsAg).
