An evidence based immunohistochemical panel for diagnosing oral lymphoma along with a case series.

Oral lymphomas are rare and present a diagnostic challenge. Immunophenotyping is essential to decipher their biology and identify therapeutic targets. Histopathology can prove to be diagnostically difficult to type these lesions, and hence, immunohistochemistry (IHC) proves useful in deciphering their biology. Here, we present an evidence-based approach using a novel immunohistochemical marker panel to diagnose oral lymphomas by discussing four unique cases.

Detection and evaluation of the presence of the BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas in an Indian population.

Introduction: Ameloblastoma is a benign epithelial odontogenic neoplasm that constitutes approximately 1% of all oral tumors and about 9 to 11% of all odontogenic tumors. They are slow-growing, locally invasive, and demonstrate a potential for metastasis and malignant transformation. The molecular pathogenesis of ameloblastoma is attributed to aberrant activity of the signal transduction pathways relating to developmental stages of odontogenesis including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The BRAF V600E mutation was identified as the most frequently mutated gene in this neoplasm. Studies have shown that use of BRAF inhibitors in patients diagnosed with ameloblastomas led to a significant reduction in tumor volume. Aims: To detect the expression of BRAF V600E mutation in ameloblastomas in an Indian population using immunohistochemistry. To compare the difference in the occurrence of the BRAF V600E mutation between mandibular and maxillary cases. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of histopathologically proven cases of ameloblastoma were assessed for the BRAF V600E mutation by immunohistochemistry using the BRAF V600E monoclonal antibody. Patient data such as age, sex, anatomical site, recurrence were documented. Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson Chi-square test and Student's t-test. Results: The present study revealed a high expression of the BRAFV600E mutation in mandibular cases of ameloblastoma among Indians irrespective of the age, sex, site, recurrence or histological pattern. Conclusions: The identification of this driver mutation opens the possibility of an adjuvant therapeutic modality to reduce the significant facial disfigurement and morbidity following surgical management.

Oral cancer management in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic-Indian scenario.

The global burden of oral cancer rests on India's shoulders. Distant metastasis and extensive loco-regional spread result in a dismal 5-year prognosis. Tobacco chewing is the leading etiological factor. A lack of education among the masses combined with an inundated cancer care system account for high morbidity and mortality rates. The SARS-CoV-2 shows tropism for the oral mucosa. This viral tropism is thought to get augmented in oral cancer because of the upregulation of oral mucosal receptors and enzymes which enhance viral attachment and entry. The COVID-19 disease has caused a heavy blow to the cancer care sector in India because of paucity of COVID-19 centred health care regulations. This review highlights the need for the prompt creation of a national health policy which would prioritize and allow for the resumption of oral onco-surgical in light of COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 in Smokeless Tobacco Habitués: Increased Susceptibility and Transmission.

As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic continues to sweep across the globe, the world is responding by implementing public awareness campaigns, social distancing measures, and other preventive strategies to arrest the spread of this lethal disease. Infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exacts a heavy toll on patients with existing comorbidities. Smokeless tobacco (SLT) consumption is of particular concern in countries in South Asia with high population densities, as it facilitates exposure to SARS-CoV-2 within or between communities by the act of public spitting. Salivary droplets generated in this act are a potential threat because they can transmit this airborne infection. Moreover, large gatherings at tobacco retail outlets, frequent hand-to-mouth contact, and sharing of apparatus by SLT habitués could also aid in increasing the spread of SARS-CoV-2. SLT-induced higher expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors along with the presence of furin in the oral mucosa and dysfunctional immune responses among SLT habitués increase viral dissemination and an individual's susceptibility to COVID-19. Issuing rigorous regulations to restrict the use of various forms of SLT products and the obnoxious act of spitting in public can assist in arresting the spread of COVID-19. Widespread education campaigns enlightening the community regarding the adverse effects of SLT consumption and its relationship with COVID-19, along with providing effective assistance to quit for those who are addicted, would decrease the spread of COVID-19.

Clinico-pathological correlations of odontogenic tumors: Some critical observations based on a 20 year institutional study and a comprehensive review of literature.

CONTEXT: Odontogenic tumors (OTs) represent a rare subset of pathologies of the oral and maxillofacial region. The classification of OTs has undergone several changes over the years due to a lack of uniform international identification criteria. The histomorphological similarity and the many variations in behavioral patterns elaborated by these lesions warrant research. AIMS: Using the update from the fourth edition of the World Health Organisation Classification of Head and Neck Tumors (2017), this dental institution carried out an epidemiological study on OTs in the state of Goa (India) and compared the data obtained with similar studies on OTs done within India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical and pathological data of OTs from August 1996 to December 2016 was retrieved from the oral and maxillofacial pathology department archives, belonging to the lone dental college and hospital in the state of Goa, India. Demographic data such as frequency, age, gender, and site along with pathological subtype was analysed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive analysis (i.e. frequency of age, gender, and location), Chi-Square Test and Fischer Exact test. RESULTS: The relative frequency of OTs was 2.61% of all oral biopsied specimens. The most common OT encountered was ameloblastoma (57.9%). The posterior aspect of the mandible was the most favored site (77.2%). The frequency of OTs decreased after the fourth decade. An overall marginal male predilection (55%) was seen. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to the establishment of a comprehensive loco-regional epidemiological database on OTs in India, aiding research on their aetio-pathogenesis and diagnosis.