Strong association of interleukin-6 -174 G>C promoter polymorphism with increased risk of oral cancer.

In view of the recently found contribution of factors associated with thrombosis and inflammation to carcinogenesis, we investigated the possible association of interleukin-6 (IL-6) with an increased risk of oral cancer. In DNA samples of 162 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 156 healthy controls of comparable ethnicity, age and sex, we studied the -174 G>C polymorphism in the IL-6 gene, which affects its transcription. C allele frequencies were significantly increased in patients compared to controls, 42.6% versus 23.1% (p<0.001). The CC homozygotes had a 7-fold greater risk of developing oral cancer (odds ratio 7.39, 95% CI 2.61-20.92), while the GC heterozygotes had a 4-fold greater risk (odds ratio 3.74, 95% CI 2.29-6.11). A significant increase in C alleles was observed in patients regardless of their smoking or alcohol consumption habits, early or advanced stage of cancer, and presence or absence of a family history for cancer or thrombophilia (p<0.001; Fisher's exact test). These findings suggest that the -174 G>C polymorphism, by affecting IL-6 gene expression, is strongly associated with oral oncogenesis.

[Primary melanoma of the oral cavity]. / Protopathes melanoma ste stomatike koiloteta.

Melanoma most often develops in the skin; usually at the site of a preexisting nevus. It is quite rare in the oral cavity and the maxilla is the most common location there. It appears that males between 60 and 70 years old are affected more often than females. The etiology is unknown. However the melachromatic nevus and the color of the skin are considered predisposing factors. Based on clinical and histologic criteria it is classified in three categories. Unfortunately the frequency of the occurrence of each category into the mouth separately, is inversely proportional to the prognosis. The 5 year survival rate of intraoral melanoma does not exceed 5-9%. The treatment of melanoma is surgical and comprises radical excision of the lesion and radical neck dissection. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy do not seem to contribute to the treatment. We present our experience of two patients with melanoma of the maxilla. In one case submandibular lymphadenopathy had already been established and a radical neck dissection was performed. In the other case subtotal maxillectomy was performed with intraoral approach.