Evaluation of crystallization patterns in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral malignancies: A prospective study.

Background: Oral cancers are often detected at late stages, and patients usually had a 50% chance of a 5-year survival rate. Oral cancer usually has an early precancerous stage before its actual malignant transformation. Although there are various approaches to diagnose the early stages of cancer, there is one less explored, cost-effective, and simple technique known as the crystallization test. The aim of the study was to evaluate the crystallization patterns in tobacco users, oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), and oral malignancies. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients with oral malignancies, 15 patients with oral potentially malignant disorders, 15 tobacco users, and 15 healthy individuals participated in the crystallization test. Single blood drop was used to perform this test and the obtained crystal patterns were analyzed. Results: This test had a sensitivity of 93.3%, 80.0%, and 20.0% for oral malignancies, oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (PMDs), and tobacco users, respectively. Chi-square analysis revealed a highly significant transverse form between OPMDs and oral malignancies (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Crystallization test was found to be a sensitive, reliable, economical, and less invasive procedure for screening of oral PMDs and oral malignancies under strictly maintained physical conditions.

Basal cell adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary gland - A rare case report involving the upper lip.

Minor salivary gland neoplasms constitute up to approximately 25% of all salivary gland tumors. The incidence of malignancy of these tumors is slightly greater than half. Basal cell adenocarcinoma (BCAC) is a rare salivary gland malignancy that occurs most commonly in the parotid gland. In this report, we describe a case of an older woman presenting with BCAC of the upper lip arising from the minor salivary gland.

Evaluation of effects of essential oil vapors on the bacterial count in bioaerosols.

Background: The aerosols generated during dental treatments contain bacteria and other microorganisms that penetrate the body through the respiratory system of dental surgeons and cause infectious diseases. Several studies have been done to reduce these hazards. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the plant extract essential oil (EO) vapors of Neem, Clove, Cinnamon bark, Thyme, Lemon Grass, and Eucalyptus on the bacterial count in bioaerosols near dental units. Materials and Methods: Sampling was taken on nutrient blood agar plates by placing them open near dental units using passive air sampling method, before commencement of treatment for 1 h, during treatments for 2 h, and after introducing EO vapors for 2 h. The collected samples were taken for incubation at 37°C for 48 h. The colonies formed were counted in colony-forming units per cubic meter and taken for statistical analysis. Results: After comparing the obtained results, it was found that there was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the bacterial count for about 43% near the dental units after the introduction of the EO vapours. Conclusion: It is concluded that natural extracts like EOs can reduce bacterial contamination near dental units in the vapourized state, thereby reducing the health hazards in Dental Health Professionals.