Interdependence of antioxidants and micronutrients in oral cancer and potentially malignant oral disorders: a serum and saliva study.

OBJECTIVE: In our previous studies we have evaluated the role of antioxidants and trace elements in potentially malignant disorders and cancers of the oral cavity, taking into consideration the importance of antioxidants as biomarkers in cancer detection. We felt that other than evaluation, the correlation and interdependence that existed among antioxidants and trace elements require further evaluation in order to develop a better understanding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum and salivary zinc, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase levels were evaluated in 65 healthy controls, 115 subjects with potentially malignant oral disorders, and 50 subjects with oral squamous cell carcinoma, using the atom absorption photometry, [5, 5-Dithiobis (2 nitrobenzoic acid)], and nitroblue tetrazolium methods, respectively. RESULTS: Serum zinc and serum glutathione showed significant positive correlation (r=0.76, P=0.01). Similarly, salivary glutathione and salivary zinc levels had a positive correlation (r=0.68, P=0.01). Serum superoxide dismutase showed a strong positive correlation with serum zinc (r=0.64, P=0.01). Similarly, there was a moderate positive correlation between salivary superoxide dismutase and salivary zinc (r=0.67, P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that trace elements and antioxidants exhibited interdependence in serum, as well as in saliva, in both physiologic and pathologic states such as oral cancer.

Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible and mastoiditis after radiotherapy for parotid mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible in conjunction with mastoiditis is an extremely rare occurrence following irradiation of salivary gland malignancy in the orofacial region. We report one such case of a patient who presented to us with trismus, jaw pain, and ear discharge. Imaging of the jaws revealed classical features of osteoradionecrosis and mastoiditis. This case is important because presenting features like trismus and dental infection led us to investigative procedures that revealed extensive bone involvement including mastoiditis. Trismus progressively increased over a period of 8 years. In this case, we would like to emphasize the importance of good oral hygiene in the postradiotherapy stage for head and neck cancer.

Nevus of ota with buccal mucosal pigmentation: a rare case.

Nevus of Ota is a condition wherein the typical pattern of the bluish black pigmentation is noticed along with the cutaneous distribution of the trigeminal nerve. This condition is most prevalent in Japanese population but comparatively rare among Indians. We report a case of 23-year-old female presented with unilateral pigmented areas over the skin of forehead, malar area, ear and periorbital area. Blackish-blue pigmented areas were also noticed on the sclera. Brownish-black diffuse pigmented areas were also noticed on the buccal mucosa of the same side. The presence of pigmentation on the skin over pinna and oral pigmentation made our case a rare incidence. Oral pigmentations associated with nevus of Ota especially on the buccal mucosa have rarely been reported in the past.

Co-occurence of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia and simple bone cyst: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this report is to present a rare case of co-occurrence of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia with simple bone cyst in a middle aged Asian woman. Most of the reported cases are isolated cases of simple bone cyst or florid cemento-osseous dysplasia, but co-occurrence of these two entities is extremely rare. METHODS: The authors report a 41 year old female patient with co-occurrence of mandibular florid cemento-osseous dysplasia with simple bone cyst. A thorough clinical and radiological examination was carried out. RESULTS: It was diagnosed mandibular cyst with possible co-occurrence of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia. Surgical exploration of the multilocular lesion was applied. Since, the patient was symptomatic at the time of presentation utmost caution was taken during the surgical procedure as florid cemento-osseous dysplasia is associated with hypo-vascularity of the affected bone. Based on histopathological, as well as supporting clinico-radiological findings a confirmative diagnosis of florid cemento-osseous dysplasia co-occurring with simple bone cyst was made. Patient was followed-up for a period of six months and was reported to be asymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: Timely diagnosis and well planned treatment is important to obtain a good prognosis when a rare co-occurrence of two or more bone lesions affects the jaws.