Burden of oral precancer and cancer among an indigenous tribal population of South India - An evaluative study.

Context: Oral cancer is of major concern in the Indian subcontinent and is found to be high among low socioeconomic groups. One such high-risk group is considered to be the tribal people, who are economically and socially marginalised. Aims: The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of oral cancer and precancer lesions among the Narikurava population in Puducherry state, India. Methods and Material: A total of 329 Narikurava tribal people were included in this study. Data was collected by clinical examination of the oral cavity by door-to-door screening. The oral cavity was examined for white/red lesions, ulcerative changes, leathery changes and tissue growths. Statistical Analysis Used: Prevalence was calculated in terms of percentages. Descriptive statistics included the calculation of percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Results: The prevalence of precancer in the population is 48.3%. The majority of the lesions were observed in the buccal mucosa: 41.6% had white lesions, 9.1% had red lesions, 0.3% had ulcerations or growth, and 28.3% had leathery changes followed by the labial mucosa: 0.6% had white lesions, 0.6% had red lesions, 0.3% had ulcerations or growth and 16.4% had leathery changes. Conclusions: The present study observed a high prevalence of precancerous lesions among the Narikurava tribe. The main reason for the high prevalence is attributed to tobacco and tobacco-related habits. Hence, cancer control activities should be prioritised. Designing a model to detect precancer and cancer early and to constantly monitor the detected cases in such populations is of utmost importance.

Analysis of the association between polymorphisms in Vitamin D receptor gene and dental caries.

BACKGROUND: The influence of environmental factors on dental caries is a well-established fact; however, little is known about the impact of genetics on the caries process. AIMS: This study was aimed to analyse the association between the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism and dental caries. It also compared the risk of dental caries between individuals with homozygous (tt and TT) genotype and heterozygous (Tt) genotype. Further, this study also aimed to compare VDR gene polymorphism by gender. METHODOLOGY: A total of 196 subjects were selected based on their decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) index according to the WHO guidelines (1997), and were divided into two groups based on caries experience. The case group was further classified into low and high caries groups. The saliva samples were collected, DNA was extracted, and VDR Taq1 (T/C) gene polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and visualized under 2% agarose gel. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the VDR Taq1 polymorphism and dental caries between the case and control group. However, further stratification showed a statistically significant difference based on caries experience in the study group. The heterozygous mutant genotype (Tt) was associated with a higher caries experience (62.1%) (P = 0.008) with the frequency of 't' allele being 77% as compared to 'T' allele (63.6%) in the high caries group. CONCLUSION: VDR Taq1 gene polymorphism does not seem to have a role in the incidence of dental caries in the studied population; however, it may have a role in the severity of the caries process.

Oral-toxicology.

Forensic toxicology deals with the investigation of toxic substances, poisonous products or with the environmental chemicals. This field of science helps to identify poison substance and hazardous chemicals. Forensic toxicology deals with the way that substances are absorbed, distributed or eliminated in the body - the metabolism of substances. This paper reviews the manifestations that each poisonous substance presents concentrating toward the commonly used poisonous substance especially in India. It also explains the Indian Penal Code, which is main criminal code intended to cover all substantive aspects of criminal law regarding poison.

Detection of salivary interleukin-2 in recurrent aphthous stomatitis.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to estimate and compare salivary interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis, among healthy controls and their variation with age and sex. STUDY DESIGN: Saliva was collected from 60 patients within the age range of 16-60 years which included 30 patients (17 Females and 13 Males) with recurrent aphthous stomatitis and healthy control group consisted of 30 participants (18 Females and 12 Males). IL-2 estimation was done in both the groups using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis of the data was done using Independent 't' test. RESULTS: The results showed increased salivary IL-2 levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis compared to the healthy controls. The IL-2 levels were also increased in patients with the age group of 16-30 years compared to other age groups. Similar increase of IL-2 was also seen in female patients. CONCLUSION: Age related and sex related alterations of IL-2 in recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients were observed.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma report of a case and review of literature.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is an aggressive distinct variant of squamous cell carcinoma that mandates recognition as a separate entity owing to the difference in its clinical behaviour. Histologically this tumor can mimic other neoplasms like adenoid cystic carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma and basal cell adenocarcinoma. BSCC occurs most commonly in older men and has a site predilection for the upper aero-digestive tract. We report a case of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma for its relative rarity, which was diagnosed in a 52 year old woman, with a brief review of literature.

Sialo-odontogenic cyst--a case report.

Sialo-odontogenic cyst is an uncommon cyst of odontogenic origin that occurs in the tooth bearing areas of the jaws. These lesions are histopathologically unique, biologically aggressive and may sometimes warrant distinction from central muco-epidermoid carcinoma and botryoid variant of the lateral odontogenic cyst. Sialo-odontogenic cysts tend to recur and various factors are quoted for their recurrence viz., the presence of microcysts, thin connective tissue wall, etc. We are herewith reporting a case of sialo-odontogenic cyst for its relative rarity among the odontogenic cysts.

Cytomorphometric analysis of exfoliated normal buccal mucosa cells.

Interest in the field of oral exfoliative cytology has reemerged following advancements in the field of quantitative oral exfoliative cytology as a powerful diagnostic tool. However, even though numerous such studies have been conducted in malignant and precancerous conditions, there have been relatively few reports of similar studies on the normal mucosa, which could be used as a baseline for comparison of pathological smears. This study was undertaken to establish the average nuclear diameter (ND), cytoplasmic diameter (CD), and the nuclear cytoplasmic (NC) ratio in normal subject and to evaluate the differences in these parameters, if any, between different age groups and between males and females. The mean ND was found to range from 7.8 u to 8.28 mu, the mean CD was found to range from 46.19 mu, and the NC ratio was found to range from 0.1609 to 1822. The results of this study also showed significant variation in the CD with increasing age. All parameters showed variations with age changes in females, probably as a result of hormonal influences.