Periodontitis as a risk factor for head and neck cancer / Periodontitis como factor de riesgo de cáncer de cabeza y cuello

Background: Periodontitis may be associated with the development of head and neck cancer (HNC). A literaturereview was conducted to understand the possible association between them.Material and Methods: Articles published in the PubMed database from January 1999 and May 2020 were re-trieved. Limitations of the studies and biological mechanisms were discussed.Results: A total of 4,232 articles were found. Of these, 13 were analyzed according to inclusion criteria. Most pa-pers found some association between periodontitis and HNC, although differences in periodontal evaluation, sam-ple size, study design and tumor sites were observed. Porphyromonas gingivalis appears to increase the chanceof both diseases, and it may be one of their main potential risk factors. Genetic predisposition is increased byexposure to environmental factors which can directly induce epigenetic changes that contribute to these diseases.Conclusions: Understanding the mechanisms related to periodontitis and HNC has increased, however, well-de-signed clinical studies are needed for better conclusions. Furthermore, the advent of multiple "omic" technologieswill help comprehend their possible association.(AU)

Incidence and profile of benign epithelial tumors of salivary glands from a single center in Northeast of Brazil

BACKGROUND: Benign tumors of the salivary glands are a group of lesions with varied histopathological and clinical spectrum. The aim was to determine the incidence and clinicopathological characteristics of benign salivary gland neoplasms diagnosed between 2007 and 2016 in a single center located in northeastern Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Records regarding sex, age, anatomical location, histopathological subtype and treatment were retrieved, and data were analyzed using the Stata/IC software (version 12.0). RESULTS: There were above 7,100 cases of neoplasms in the head and neck region, of which 403 corresponded to salivary gland neoplasms. Of these, 238 (59%) were benign, being pleomorphic adenoma (PA) the most frequent neoplasm (n=178; 74.8%), followed by Warthin's tumor (WT) (n=23; 9.7%). Overall, most cases occurred in females (n=136; 57.1%) and age ranged from 11 to 83 years. The parotid gland (n=188; 79%) was the most common anatomical site, and all patients were treated by surgical excision. Of the cases diagnosed as PA, malignant transformation to carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CAEXPA) occurred in 7 (3.9%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the clinical and demographic profile of benign salivary gland neoplasms, which contributes to the continuous knowledge of current data about these lesions

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Oral benign neoplasms: A retrospective study of 790 patients over a 14-year period / Neoplasias benignas orales: estudio retrospectivo de 790 patients durante un periodo de 14 años

Introduction and objective: Oral benign neoplasms (OBNs) exhibit some features that can guide the professionals to the correct diagnosis and best treatment. Through retrospective studies, medical records can be reviewed to better describe a given population and, furthermore, help clinicians in routine practice. In this context, the objective of this paper was to analyze the cases of OBNs of an oral pathology referral department, from 2003 to 2017, in order to better understand their epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics. Methods: A total of 8355 histopathological reports were analyzed. Lesions diagnosed as OBNs were selected and the following variables were recorded: gender, age, histological type of the lesion, anatomical location, rate and pattern of growth, type of base, color, symptomatology and diagnostic hypotheses on clinical examination. Results: OBNs represented 9.4% of all lesions diagnosed. The most frequent histopathological types were fibroma (39.9%), papilloma (22%), fibroblastoma (13.1%), lipoma (10.2%) and hemangioma (6.1%). Overall, most cases affected females (n = 518; 65.6%) and in the fifth decade of life (n = 148; 18.7%). The oral mucosa was the most common site (n = 265; 33.5%). The most common features of each OBN were also highlighted. Conclusion: The most common OBNs were fibroma, papilloma, fibroblastoma, lipoma and hemangioma. Overall, the OBN presented common clinical features; however, in particular cases, there are some characteristics that can lead the professionals to the correct diagnosis. Nevertheless, in general, histopathological analysis must be performed to confirm diagnosis. Intraosseous tumors and large lesions may require imaging tests to help diagnosis

Introducción y objetivos: Las neoplasias benignas orales (NBO) presentan características clínico-patológicas específicas que pueden guiar al profesional al diagnóstico correcto y a un mejor tratamiento. Los estudios retrospectivos son uno de los principales recursos utilizados para conocer la situación actual de una población determinada y estimar sus necesidades para la implementación y el mantenimiento de los servicios de salud. En este contexto, el objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar los casos de NBO de un servicio de referencia en patología oral, de 2003 a 2017, para comprender mejor sus características epidemiológicas y clínico-patológicas. Métodos: se analizaron un total de 8355 informes histopatológicos. Se seleccionaron las lesiones diagnosticadas como NBO y se registraron las siguientes variables: sexo, edad, tipo histológico de la lesión, ubicación anatómica, índice y patrón de crecimiento, tipo de base, color, sintomatología e hipótesis diagnósticas en el examen clínico. Resultados: Las NBO representaron el 9,4% de todas las lesiones diagnosticadas. Los tipos histopatológicos más frecuentes fueron fibroma (39,9%), papiloma (22%), fibroblastoma (13,1%), lipoma (10,2%) y hemangioma (6,1%). También fueron verificados el perfil de los pacientes y las presentaciones clínicas de estas lesiones. Conclusiones: Las NBO más comunes fueron fibroma, papiloma, fibroblastoma, lipoma y hemangioma. En general, las NBO presentaron características clínicas comunes; sin embargo, en casos particulares, existen algunas características que pueden llevar al profesional al diagnóstico correcto. Sin embargo, de forma general, el análisis histopatológico debe hacerse para confirmar el diagnóstico. Los tumores intraóseos y las lesiones de gran tamaño pueden requerir exámenes de imagen para ayudar al diagnóstico

Oral benign neoplasms: A retrospective study of 790 patients over a 14-year period.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Oral benign neoplasms (OBNs) exhibit some features that can guide the professionals to the correct diagnosis and best treatment. Through retrospective studies, medical records can be reviewed to better describe a given population and, furthermore, help clinicians in routine practice. In this context, the objective of this paper was to analyze the cases of OBNs of an oral pathology referral department, from 2003 to 2017, in order to better understand their epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics. METHODS: A total of 8355 histopathological reports were analyzed. Lesions diagnosed as OBNs were selected and the following variables were recorded: gender, age, histological type of the lesion, anatomical location, rate and pattern of growth, type of base, color, symptomatology and diagnostic hypotheses on clinical examination. RESULTS: OBNs represented 9.4% of all lesions diagnosed. The most frequent histopathological types were fibroma (39.9%), papilloma (22%), fibroblastoma (13.1%), lipoma (10.2%) and hemangioma (6.1%). Overall, most cases affected females (n=518; 65.6%) and in the fifth decade of life (n=148; 18.7%). The oral mucosa was the most common site (n=265; 33.5%). The most common features of each OBN were also highlighted. CONCLUSION: The most common OBNs were fibroma, papilloma, fibroblastoma, lipoma and hemangioma. Overall, the OBN presented common clinical features; however, in particular cases, there are some characteristics that can lead the professionals to the correct diagnosis. Nevertheless, in general, histopathological analysis must be performed to confirm diagnosis. Intraosseous tumors and large lesions may require imaging tests to help diagnosis.

Salivary gland tumors in a Brazilian population: A 20-year retrospective and multicentric study of 2292 cases.

PURPOSE: Neoplasms of the salivary glands comprise more than thirty subtypes of lesions with various clinical behaviors. The present study aimed to describe the incidence and main features of salivary gland tumors in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed (1997-2017). A total of 88,430 biopsy records of oral and maxillofacial lesions from 5 pathology referral centers were analyzed. All cases of salivary gland tumors were reviewed and data such as gender, age, skin color, anatomical location, symptomatology, tumor size and histopathological diagnosis were collected. RESULTS: Among all lesions, there were 2,292 (2.6%) cases of salivary gland tumors. The most frequent benign and malignant neoplasm was pleomorphic adenoma (n = 1,086; 47.4%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 322; 14.0%), respectively. The majority of the patients were white (n = 757; 33%) and female (n = 1,391; 60.7%), and most cases involved the parotid gland (n = 933; 40.7%; p < 0.001). Age ranged from 1 to 101 years, occurring more in the fourth decade of life. Tumor size varied from 0.3 to 15 cm and the presence of symptomatology (pain/swelling) occurred more in patients with malignant tumors (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The incidence profile and clinical findings of salivary gland tumors were similar to those described worldwide; nevertheless, multicenter studies are valuable to better characterize these neoplasms.

Coronectomy - An alternative approach to remove impacted teeth in oncological patients.

BACKGROUND: Coronectomy involves the section of the tooth crown leaving the roots in the socket. Possibility of inferior alveolar nerve injury and mandibular fracture are the main indications for this approach. Herein, we describe a case series of coronectomy to highlight its indication in normal and oncological patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 9 patients were submitted to coronectomy, 6 of them were oncological. Three patients were evaluated before head and neck radiotherapy (HNRT), 2 after HNRT and 1 before bone marrow transplantation. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 49 years, most of them male (n=7). Lower third molars were the main teeth that received this procedure, and all cases presented intimate anatomic relationship between the roots and the mandibular canal. Moreover, three cases also presented evident mandibular fracture risk in removing the tooth. During the follow-up period, none complications were observed related to coronectomy and oncological treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Coronectomy is a safe approach including for cancer patients and it should be considered in high-risk impacted teeth extractions. Key words:Coronectomy, impacted teeth, oncological patients, postoperative complications.

Immunohistochemical analysis of lymphatic vessel density and mast cells in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma.

The aim of this study was to analyze lymphangiogenesis and the presence of mast cells in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), correlating the findings with clinicopathological parameters (clinical stage, tumor size, nodal metastasis, histological grade of malignancy, local recurrence, and clinical outcome). Fifty-six cases of primary OTSCC were selected. Lymphatic vessels and mast cells were identified by immunostaining with anti-podoplanin (D2-40) and anti-tryptase antibody, respectively. Lymphatic vessel density (LVD) and mast cell density (MCD) were determined in the intratumoral and peritumoral areas. Intratumoral LVD was higher in advanced clinical stages (III/IV) when compared to early-stage (p = 0.017) and in metastatic cases compared to non-metastatic tumors (p = 0.013). Peritumoral LVD and intratumoral or peritumoral MCD did not differ significantly according to the clinicopathological parameters of OTSCCs (p > 0.05). No significant correlations between LVD and MCD were observed at the intratumoral (r = -0.014; p = 0.918) or peritumoral level (r = 0.156; p = 0.251). Our findings suggest that intratumoral lymphatic vessels, compared to peritumoral lymphatic vessels, appear to be more related to the progression of OTSCC. MCD alone does not seem to be determinant for lymphangiogenesis or for the biological behavior of OTSCC, indicating multiple pro- and antitumor effects of these inflammatory cells.

Expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and its receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue.

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) act in the proteolysis of basement membrane and extracellular matrix structures, facilitating tumor invasion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between these proteins and clinicopathological parameters in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT). Sixty cases of SCCOT were submitted to immunohistochemistry and analyzed semiquantitatively at the invasion front and in the tumor core. The results were associated with lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, locoregional recurrence, clinical outcome and histological grade of malignancy. A higher expression of uPA was observed in cases of tumors of high-grade versus low-grade malignancy (p = 0.010). Moreover, the cases with the worst pattern of invasion presented an overexpression of uPA (p = 0.011). The presence of locoregional recurrence was associated with uPAR (p = 0.039), and the expression of both biomarkers was much higher at the invasion front than in the tumor core (p < 0.001). The results suggest uPA and uPAR are involved in the progression and aggressiveness of SCCOT, mainly at the tumor-host interface.

Expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and its receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue

Abstract Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) act in the proteolysis of basement membrane and extracellular matrix structures, facilitating tumor invasion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between these proteins and clinicopathological parameters in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (SCCOT). Sixty cases of SCCOT were submitted to immunohistochemistry and analyzed semiquantitatively at the invasion front and in the tumor core. The results were associated with lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, locoregional recurrence, clinical outcome and histological grade of malignancy. A higher expression of uPA was observed in cases of tumors of high-grade versus low-grade malignancy (p = 0.010). Moreover, the cases with the worst pattern of invasion presented an overexpression of uPA (p = 0.011). The presence of locoregional recurrence was associated with uPAR (p = 0.039), and the expression of both biomarkers was much higher at the invasion front than in the tumor core (p < 0.001). The results suggest uPA and uPAR are involved in the progression and aggressiveness of SCCOT, mainly at the tumor-host interface.

Infiltrating lipomatosis of the face: case series and literature review.

Infiltrating lipomatosis of the face is a rare disorder in which mature adipocytes infiltrate tissues, leading to facial asymmetry. We present three cases, emphasizing their clinical and imaging features. In two of our cases, typical clinical features of infiltrating lipomatosis of the face were observed, including enlargement of cheek and bones, as well as early tooth eruption. The other case stood out because of its uncommon clinical presentation: presenting with hemimacroglossia, ipsilateral submandibular gland enlargement, and papillomatosis on the dorsum of the tongue. The presence of infiltrating adipose tissue is essential to confirm the diagnosis.

Clinicopathological and cell proliferation evaluation of ameloblastomas and keratocystic odontogenic tumors: a 10 year retrospective study.

Odontogenic tumors (OTs) are important lesions of the gnathic bones due to their clinicopathological heterogeneity and variable biological behavior; therefore, epidemiological studies are needed to outline the incidence and behavior of these tumors. To evaluate the incidence and epidemiological profile of ameloblastoma (AMB) and keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) from an oral pathology service, and correlate morphological findings of these tumors with the immunoexpression of a cellular proliferation marker (Ki-67), a retrospective study (2002-2012) was conducted to characterize demographic, clinical, radiological, and morphological data of AMBs and KCOTs. Then, a representative sample composed of 49 cases of each tumor was selected to perform immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of Ki-67 through the streptavidin biotin peroxidase technique. For statistical analysis, we used Fisher's exact test (p < 0.05). A total of 279 OTs were found in the service, in which 91 (32.6%) were AMB and 98 (35 %) were KCOT. Most cases occurred in white women, and the average age of patients with AMB and KCOT was 32 and 33 years, respectively. The maxilla-mandible ratio was 1:6 and 1:3.6 for AMB and KCOT, respectively. Regarding IHC analysis, AMB and KCOT had similar levels of cellular proliferation. However, KCOTs with intense inflammation showed higher Ki-67 expression (p < 0.001). Recurrent cases had similar Ki-67 immunoexpression. The demographic profile of the studied tumors corroborates with data reported in the literature, and the levels of cellular proliferation were similar in both tumors, although the inflammation seems to induce a differential proliferative behavior in KCOT.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma radiographically mimicking an odontogenic tumor: A case report and literature review.

Central mucoepidermoid carcinoma (CMC) of the jaw bones is a rare malignant salivary gland tumor of unknown pathogenesis, comprising about 4% of all mucoepidermoid carcinomas (MECs). Most cases are histologically classified as a low-grade tumor and radiographically appear as a well-defined unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesion. Block resection or wide local excisions are the treatment of choice and patients usually show a good overall prognosis although a long-term follow-up is necessary. This report describes a case of a 28-year-old male with MEC in the posterior region of the mandible and discusses its clinical, radiographic and histopathological findings. Although rare, CMC may be considered a differential diagnosis in cases of proliferative and osteolytic lesions in the oral cavity even when its clinical and/or radiographic findings do not suggest malignancy.

Expressão imuno-histoquímica do ativador de plasminogênio do tipo uroquinase e seu receptor em carcinoma epidermoide de língua oral e sua relação com parâmetros clínico-patológicos / Immunohistochemical expression of plasminogen activator of the urokinase type and its receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of tongue and their relationship with clinicopathological parameters

O carcinoma epidermoide oral (CEO) é a neoplasia maligna mais comum da cavidade oral, apresentando uma alta taxa de mortalidade. Devido a isto, a descoberta de biomarcadores que facilitem a compreensão do comportamento biológico desse tumor e aprimorem o tratamento é necessário. O ativador de plasminogênio do tipo uroquinase (uPA) e o seu receptor, uPAR, têm se destacado por atuarem na proteólise de estruturas da membrana basal e matriz extracelular, facilitando a invasão tumoral. O presente estudo se propôs a avaliar a imunoexpressão dessas proteínas em 46 casos de carcinoma epidermoide de língua oral (CELO). Esses resultados foram relacionados com a presença de metástase, estadiamento clínico TNM, recidiva locoregional, desfecho da lesão e gradação histológica de malignidade. A imunomarcação de cada caso foi avaliada semiquantitativamente, tanto no front de invasão como no centro do tumor, na qual foram atribuídos os escores: 0 (0% de células positivas), 1(1-10% de células positivas), 2 (11-50% de células positivas), 3 (mais de 50% de células positivas). A expressão do uPA foi observada em 93,5% dos casos no front de invasão, com predomínio do escore 2 (34,8%), e em 67,9% dos casos no centro do tumor, com predomínio do escore 1 (32,6%). De modo geral, os parâmetros clínicos não exerceram influência na imunoexpressão do uPA. Em relação à gradação histológica, foi observada uma maior expressão de uPA nos casos de alto grau de malignidade em relação aos de baixo grau de malignidade (p=0,05). Quando analisado em relação aos parâmetros morfológicos, foi identificado uma maior expressão do uPA nos casos de pior padrão de invasão (p=0,03).

A expressão do uPAR foi observada em 73,9% dos casos no front de invasão, com predomínio do escore 1 (45,65%), e em 47,5% dos casos no centro do tumor, com predomínio do escore 0 (54,35%). Embora não tenham sido observadas significâncias estatísticas em relação à metástase linfonodal, estadiamento clínico TNM, desfecho e gradação histológica, houve uma maior expressão do uPAR nos casos com recidiva locoregional em relação aos sem recidiva (p=0,04). Em relação à análise da localização tumoral, foi observada uma maior expressão de uPA e uPAR no front de invasão em relação ao centro do tumor (p<0,001). Na correlação entre uPA e uPAR, não foi observada significância estatística. Com base nestes resultados, sugere-se que o uPA e uPAR estejam envolvidos na progressão do CELO, atuando principalmente na região mais profunda do tumor. (AU)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC ) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity (OSCC), with a high mortality rate. Due to this, the discovery of biomarkers that facilitate the understanding of the biological behavior of the tumor and improve treatment is necessary. Urokinase type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor, uPAR, are responsible for the proteolysis of structures of the basement membrana and extracellular matrix, facilitating tumor invasion. This study aims to assess the immuno expression of these proteins in 46 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue (OTSCC). These results were related to the presence of metastasis, clinical TNM staging, locoregional recurrence, outcome of the lesion and histological grading. Immunostaining of each case was evaluated semiquantitatively, in the front of invasion and center of the tumor, in which scores were assigned: 0 (0% of positive cells), 1 (1-10% of positive cells), 2 (11 -50% positive cells) and 3 (more than 50% positive cells). The expression of uPA was observed in 93.5% (n=43) of the cases in the front of invasion, with predominance of score 2 (n=16; 34.8%) and in 67.9% (n=31) of the cases in the center of the tumor, with predominance of score 1 (n=15; 32.6%). Overall, the immunoexpression of uPA was not associated with clinical parameters. Regarding the malignant histological grading, a higher expression of uPA was observed in cases of high-grade malignancy comp ared to low-grade malignancy (p=0.05).

Regarding the morphological parameters, increased expression of uPA was observed in the worst mode of invasion (p=0.03 ). The expression of uPAR was observed in 73.9% of cases in the front of invasion, with a predominance of score 1 (n=21; 45.6 %), and in 47.5% (n=21) of the cases in the center of the tumor, with a predominance of score 0 (n=25; 54.4%). Although no statistical differences were observed in relation to lymph node metastasis, clinical TNM staging, outcome, and histological grading, there was a higher expression of uPAR in cases with locoregional recurrence (p=0.04). Regarding the tumor intra -localization, it was observed an increased expression of uPA and uPAR at the front of invasion in relation to the center of the tumor (p<0.001). Regarding the correlation between uPA and uPAR, there was no statistical sign ificance. Based on these results, it is suggested that uPA and uPAR are involved in the progression of CELO, mainly in the deeper region of the tumor. (AU)

Retrospective study of 289 odontogenic tumors in a Brazilian population

BACKGROUND: Odontogenic tumors (OTs) are considered important among oral lesions because of their clinicopathological heterogeneity, and variable biological behavior. This paper aims to determine the frequency and distribution of OTs, over a period of 10 years, at a public university in Northeastern Brazil and compare this data with previous reports. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed all cases of OTs from oral pathology laboratory of University of Pernambuco (UPE), from 2004 to 2014. Diagnoses were re-evaluated and the tumors were classified according to the latest (2005) World Health Organization Classification of Tumors. In addition, we searched in the English-language literature retrospective studies on OTs that used the same classification. RESULTS: Within the total of 6028 oral biopsies, 289 (4.79%) were OTs. Of these, 287 (99.3%) were benign and 2 (0.7%) were malignant. The overall incidence was 31.1/million. Mandible-maxilla ratio was 2.5:1 and mean age 35 years. Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) (34.6%) was the most frequent lesion, followed by ameloblastoma (AMB) (32.9%) and odontoma (ODO) (11.4%). CONCLUSIONS: OTs are uncommon neoplasms with geographic variation. Our clinicopathological features are according to literature. In the present study, KCOT was the most frequent one, showing that the new classification of OTs altered the distribution of these lesions and possibly made KCOT the most common OT observed in diagnostic services worldwide

Granular cell tumor in two oral anatomic sites.

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is an uncommon benign soft tissue neoplasm, which usually presents as a solitary nodule, appearing especially in the tongue. There are few cases of multiple oral GCT in the English-language literature, with only three cases reported in the last 20 years. This report describes a case of two oral GCT in a young patient and provides a literature review from 1995 to 2015. Clinical characteristics of the reviewed cases were retrieved and compared with the present case. Exceptionally, the current case was the only one that occurred in an adolescent and solely affected the oral cavity. Besides the oral cavity, the other cases also observed GCT lesions in the skin. Although rare, it is important to know multiple oral GCT clinical and histopathological characteristics so they can be correctly diagnosed, treated and followed up.

Expressão imunoistoquímica da endoglina (CD105) e do fator de von Willebrand em carcinoma epidermoide oral e sua relação com parâmetros clinicopatológicos / Immunohistochemical expression of endoglin (CD105) and von Willebrand factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its relationship with clinicopathological parameters

CONTEXTO: A angiogênese tem sido associada à progressão de neoplasias malignas e, embora haja estudos acerca de marcadores angiogênicos no carcinoma epidermoide oral (CEO), existem resultados conflitantes na literatura. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a expressão imunoistoquímica do CD105 e do fator de von Willebrand (FvW) em CEO e sua relação com parâmetros clínicos do tumor. MÉTODOS: A imunoexpressão dos referidos biomarcadores foi analisada em 30 casos de CEO e correlacionada a parâmetros clínicos do tumor (idade e sexo dos pacientes, localização anatômica e estadiamento clínico Tumor, Nodo e Metástase, TNM). RESULTADOS: A imunomarcação com o anticorpo anti-FvW foi mais efetiva que a do CD105 no CEO. No que concerne à localização anatômica, o assoalho bucal e a região retromolar apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas quanto aos índices angiogênicos (p = 0,004), determinados pela técnica de contagem microvascular (MVC). Não houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre o estadiamento clínico TNM e os índices angiogênicos, com os dois biomarcadores. CONCLUSÕES: Com base nos achados deste estudo, sugere-se um envolvimento da neoformação vascular na carcinogênese oral, embora não tenha sido evidenciada associação significativa com o estágio clínico da lesão.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis has been linked with progression of malignant neoplasms and although studies have been conducted investigating angiogenic markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), contradictory results are reported in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate immunohistochemical expression of CD105 and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in OSCC and their relationships with clinical parameters of the tumors. METHODS: Immunoexpression of these biomarkers was analyzed in 30 cases of OSCC and correlated with clinical parameters of the tumors (age and sex of patients, anatomic site and Tumor, Node and Metastasis clinical staging [TNM]). RESULTS: In OSCC specimens, immunostaining was more effective using the anti-vWF antibody than using the anti-CD105 antibody. Angiogenic indices, determined by microvascular count (MVC) technique, were different for the floor of the mouth and the retromolar region, with statistical significance (p = 0.004). There were no statistically significant relationships between results for the two biomarkers and TNM clinical staging or angiogenic indices. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that vascular remodeling is involved in oral carcinogenesis, although there was no evidence of a significant association with clinical stage of lesions.