ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is such a common malignancy, but its manifestations are usually asymptomatic, and by the time the lesion is diagnosed its invasion is deep. This makes the survival rate poor and also the treatment rendered during such stages is extensive and debilitating. In this regard, a novel approach has been advocated in the estimation of biomarkers in the body fluids. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)/gamma-glutamyl transferase is an enzyme that is essential for the absorption of amino acids, especially in the degradation of glutathione. Its activity is increased in oral cancer and precancerous lesions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the activity and concentration of GGT in precancerous and cancerous patients in comparison with normal patients and also to assess its efficacy as an effective tumor marker. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population comprised a total of 75 patients who were categorized into three groups as normal patients (25 cases in Group A), patients with precancerous lesions (25 patients in Group B) and patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (25 cases in Group C). 5 ml of whole unstimulated saliva collection was done, it was centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min and the supernatant thus obtained was used for the estimation of GGT levels. The detection was done by photometric method reading the absorbance at 405 nm. RESULTS: Group A patients had values of GGT ranging from 4 to 30U/L with a mean of 16.7 ± 1.94U/L. Group B had activity of GGT ranging from 39 to 65 U/L with a mean of 50.4 ± 1.67U/L. In group C, the evaluated GGT activity was between 53 and 86 U/L and the mean was 70 ± 2.37 U/L. Statistical analysis using Chi-square test was conducted. Correlations between Group A and Group B and between Groups A and C showed a statistically significant relation (P < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Salivary gamma-glutamyl transferase activity can be used effectively as a tumor marker, and further studies with a larger sample size can be done to correlate this finding.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Regional lymph nodes play an important role in acting as anatomic barriers to systemic dissemination of tumor cells. This reflects in the host immunologic response. Oral squamous cell carcinoma, is known to be associated with early deficiencies of cell-mediated immunity, the pathology of which is reflected in the histology of the regional lymph nodes. AIM: The goal of this study was to study the different immunity reactions in the lymph nodes and to correlate it with the histopathology of tumor proper. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 40 head and neck dissections, 30 were male and 10 females within the age range of 21-72 years. According to Tumor Node Metastasis classification, there were 12 cases of stage II and stage III, respectively while 16 were of stage IV. A total of 372 nodes were histologically evaluated. The harvested lymph nodes were categorized into metastatic and non-metastatic nodes exhibiting four patterns as: Lymphocyte predominance pattern, germinal center predominance pattern, lymphocyte depleted pattern and unstimulated pattern. RESULTS: The predominant pattern of lymph node reactivity was of lymphocyte predominance (199 nodes) followed by germinal center predominance (117 nodes); lymphocyte depleted (17 nodes) and unstimulated node pattern (39 nodes). Twenty-seven nodes were positive for metastasis. A statistically significant relationship (P = 0.0019 and P = 0.0290, chi square, respectively) was observed between the number of nodes harvested and stage and level of lymph nodes. A brief follow-up period of 3 years was carried out. CONCLUSION: Further studies relating the immuno-morphologic assessment of the lymph nodes in conjunction with other factors may be helpful in assessing the metastases risk of the individual.
ABSTRACT
Granular cell tumor, an uncommon neoplasm, can occur at any site in the body, but they are more commonly observed in the head and neck region, especially the oral cavity. A lesion of controversial origin, this entity has to be considered in the differential diagnosis of swellings of the tongue. Immunohistochemical findings obtained in the present case also render support for the neural histogenetic origin for this tumor. Though commonly observed in the fourth to sixth decades of life, we present this case in a 9-year-old female patient.
ABSTRACT
One of the most common types of developmental odontogenic cyst is the dentigerous cyst. It encloses the crown of the tooth and is attached at the cementoenamel junction. Although its association with mandibular molars is common, it is rarely associated with the maxillary central incisors. Discussion: The present case report describes an unusual occurrence of dentigerous cyst associated with the impacted permanent maxillary central incisor in an inverted position and showing dilaceration of the root. The cyst was enucleated along with the extraction of the impacted tooth. We have discussed clinical presentation, radiographic features and treatment modalities of this uncommon and rare presentation of this lesion. Conclusion: Trauma to the deciduous teeth should not be overlooked, since it can result in the development of a pathology which could indirectly affect the permanent successors...
Um dos tipos mais comuns de cisto odontogênico de desenvolvimento é o cisto dentígero. Ele inclui a coroa do dente e está conectado à junção cemento-esmalte. Apesar de sua associação com molares inferiores ser comum, ele raramente está associado com incisivos centrais superiores. Discussão: O presente relato descreve um caso raro de cisto dentígero associado ao incisivo central superior permanente impactado em uma posição invertida, apresentando dilaceração da raiz. O cisto foi enucleado durante a extração do dente afetado. Foram discutidas a apresentação clínica, as características radiográficas e as modalidades de tratamento desta apresentação incomum e rara de lesão. Conclusão: O trauma em dentes decíduos não deve ser negligenciado,pois pode resultar no desenvolvimento de uma patologia que pode afetar indiretamente os sucessores permanentes...