A study to estimate the serum IgA and salivary IgA levels in patients with oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Context: The increasing death rate because of oral cancer is mainly due to its late diagnosis. Tumour markers are often detected in abnormal amounts in blood, urine or saliva of patients with certain types of cancer. Diagnosing cancer through human saliva has advantages such as low invasiveness, minimum cost and easy sample collection. We have used serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and salivary IgA for our present study. Aims: The aim of present study was to estimate serum and salivary IgA levels in oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Settings and Design: The study included 40 patients; 10 in the control group, 15 cases with oral leukoplakia and 15 cases with OSCC. Methods and Material: The blood samples and saliva were taken from clinically diagnosed oral leukoplakia and OSCC patients and were tested for IgA levels. Statistical analysis used: The data were analysed using SPSS 16.0. The mean values were compared between the groups by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post-hoc test for group-wise comparison. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Results: It was observed that the comparison of levels of serum IgA in control and leukoplakia group; control and OSCC group; leukoplakia and OSCC group were found to be statistically significant. Also, comparison between the levels of salivary IgA in control and OSCC group was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: It is suggested that the serum and salivary IgA levels could be a better adjuvant diagnostic marker along with routine markers in patients with premalignant and malignant lesions.

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.

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.

Sarcomatoid Carcinoma of Anterior Maxilla: A Case Report and Immunohistochemical Analysis.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare and peculiar biphasic malignant neoplasm that occurs mainly in the upper aerodigestive tract. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is an unusual biphasic tumor composed of both malignant epithelial and malignant mesesnchymal component in association with, and usually dominated by, an abundant dysplastic-appearing spindle cells. This tumor consistently poses a significant diagnostic challenge to pathologists. Despite of several immunohistochemical, electron microscopic and genetic studies, precise histogenesis of sarcomatoid carcinoma is quite controversial. Here we are describing a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma in a 40 yr old male patient with special emphasis on immunohistochemical analysis. Here, we are describing a case of sarcomatoid carcinoma in a 40-year-old male who presented with a small swelling & pain in hard palate along with immunohistochemical analysis.

Ameloblastic fibroma with ghost cell differentiation and calcification: A unique case report.

The ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is an uncommon odontogenic tumor that may present an aggressive behavior and may have potential for malignant transformation. Ghost cell differentiation within AF is extremely rare. There are only seven cases in English literature in which ghost cells are found in AF but all these previously reported cases were associated with typical calcifying odontogenic cyst. Here, we present a unique case in 3(1/2)-year-old child with solid lesion which comprised odontogenic epithelium strands, islands, and myxoid ectomesenchyme with focal areas of ghost cell differentiation and calcification associated with neoplastic epithelium.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Menstruation, Pregnancy and Menopause on Salivary Flow Rate, pH and Gustatory Function.

OBJECTIVE: There are five situations in a women's life during which hormone fluctuations make them more susceptible to oral health problems - during puberty, at certain points in the monthly menstrual cycle, when using birth control pills, during pregnancy, and at menopause. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of menstruation, pregnancy and menopause on salivary flow rate, pH and gustatory function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 120 patients including 30 controls (with normal menstrual cycle of 28 to 30 d) and 90 cases (30 patients within three days of menstruation, 30 pregnant and 30 postmenopausal). Paraffin-stimulated saliva samples were obtained by expectoration to calculate salivary flow rate, pH was measured electrometically and patients were prospectively evaluated for gustatory function. Then, whole mouth taste test was performed in which the quality identification and intensity ratings of taste solutions were measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups with respect to salivary flow rate but pH values were significantly lower in post menopausal women (p<0.05). Regarding correct quality identification the results were non-significant. Intensity for taste perception for sucrose was significantly lower in postmenopausal women than intensity of taste perception for other tastes (p<0.05). Also, postmenopausal women reported change in their dietary habits as all of them expressed liking for sweeter food. CONCLUSION: Reduced salivary flow rate and pH in postmen-opausal women may make them more prone to the occurrence of oral health problems. Also, pregnant and postmenopausal women appeared to have a reduced perception of sucrose, which can alter eating habits, such as intake of more sweet foods whereas no significant difference is observed in taste perception of NaCl, citric acid and quinine hydrochloride between the subjects.