Valoración de las diferentesopciones de tratamientoen el manejo clínico delSíndrome de Boca Ardiente(SBA) / ASSESSMENT OF THE DIFFERENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN THE CLINICAL MANAGEMENT OF BURNING MOUTH SYNDROME (BMS)

Introducción: El Síndrome de Boca Ardiente (SBA), cuya definición y fisiopatología continúan siendo un tema de debate actual, tampoco cuenta con unas pautas universalmente aceptadas para su tratamiento. Por ello, el objetivo del presente trabajo es presentar una valoración de los distintos tratamientos para el manejo clínico de los pacientes con SBA en base a la evidencia científica disponible, para que se valore su aplicación en cada caso concreto. Material y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en las bases de datos de PubMed (MEDLINE) y The Cochrane Library (Wiley) sobre los distintos tratamientos del SBA. Con los datos obtenidos respecto a la efectividad de cada modalidad terapéutica y los efectos adversos que produce, se han elaborado tres diferentes líneas de tratamiento. Resultados: En la primera línea de tratamiento encontramos los chicles, la LLLT (terapia con láser de baja potencia, en inglés), el protector lingual, la psicoterapia, clonazepam tópico, ALA (ácido alfa-lipoico, en inglés) y la Catauma. Conclusión: Hacen falta más investigaciones que brinden una orientación suficiente a los clínicos sobre las modalidades terapéuticas efectivas y que permitan establecer una correcta estrategia en el manejo del SBA (AU)

Introduction: The definition and pathophysiology of Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) remain a subject of ongoing debate, and there are no universally accepted guidelines for its treatment. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present an assessment of the different treatments for the clinical management of patients with BMS on the basis of the available scientific evidence, so that their application in each specific case can be assessed. Material and methods: A search was carried out in the PubMed (MEDLINE) and The Cochrane Library (Wiley) databases on the different treatments for BMS. With the data obtained regarding the effectiveness of each therapeutic modality and the adverse effects it produces, three different lines of treatment have been developed. Results: The first line of treatment includes chewing gum, LLLT (low level laser therapy), tongue guard, psychotherapy, topical clonazepam, ALA (alpha lipoic acid) and Catauma. Conclusion: Further research is required to provide sufficient guidance to clinicians on effective therapeutic modalities and to establish a correct strategy in the management of BMS (AU)

Medication related to pigmentation of oral mucosa

Background: The diagnosis of oral melanotic lesions is, more often than not, challenging in the clinical practice due to the fact that there are several reasons which may cause an increase in pigmentation on localized or generalized areas. Among these, medication stands out. Material and Methods: In this work, we have carried out a review in the reference pharma database: Micromedex® followed by a review of the scientific published literature to analyse coincidences and possible discrepancies. Results: Our findings show that there are several prescription drugs that can cause pigmented lesions in the oral mucosa. This must be known by clinicians in order to properly diagnose pigmented lesions. We have identified a set of 21 medicaments which cause these lesions, some of which are used frequently in the clinic, such as Metronidazole, Amitriptyline, conjugated oestrogens and Chlorhexidine gluconate. We also found discrepancies with the data published in specialized literature, some of which wasn’t reflected in the Summary of Product Characteristics. Conclusions: Our work highlights the importance of the proper communication of adverse drug reactions (ADR) by health professionals in order to provide thorough and accurate information and diagnosis.(AU)

Medication related to pigmentation of oral mucosa.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of oral melanotic lesions is, more often than not, challenging in the clinical practice due to the fact that there are several reasons which may cause an increase in pigmentation on localized or generalized areas. Among these, medication stands out. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this work, we have carried out a review in the reference pharma database: Micromedex® followed by a review of the scientific published literature to analyse coincidences and possible discrepancies. RESULTS: Our findings show that there are several prescription drugs that can cause pigmented lesions in the oral mucosa. This must be known by clinicians in order to properly diagnose pigmented lesions. We have identified a set of 21 medicaments which cause these lesions, some of which are used frequently in the clinic, such as Metronidazole, Amitriptyline, conjugated oestrogens and Chlorhexidine gluconate. We also found discrepancies with the data published in specialized literature, some of which wasn't reflected in the Summary of Product Characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Our work highlights the importance of the proper communication of adverse drug reactions (ADR) by health professionals in order to provide thorough and accurate information and diagnosis.

Central sensitization in burning mouth syndrome: a practical approach using questionnaires.

OBJECTIVES: Some experts have suggested that burning mouth syndrome (BMS) should be included in the family of central sensitivity syndromes, a group of similar medical disorders linked by the central sensitization (CS) mechanism. Our objective is to assess the presence of CS in patients with BMS by performing a clinical examination and administering questionnaires to measure the generalized extent of pain, the presence of associated symptoms, and the number of other concurrent chronic pain conditions. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a case-control study in 82 subjects (40 patients with BMS and 42 controls). Patients with BMS were diagnosed using The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition, beta version (ICHD-IIIß) criteria. The Widespread Pain Index (WPI) and Symptom Severity (SS) Score questionnaires were used to determine the degree of central sensitivity. The number of other concurrent chronic pain conditions was determined with the Neblett inventory. RESULTS: Data indicative of CS show a statistically significant association with BMS. Both SS Score and Widespread Pain Index scores higher in patients with BMS. Additionally, patients with BMS reported a significantly higher number of other central sensitivity syndromes. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with BMS could present a CS component as well as other chronic pain conditions. The use of questionnaires may be useful to determine the degree of central sensitivity in patients with BMS.

Oral and dental health status in patients with eating disorders in Madrid, Spain

Background: The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the oral and dental health status of two groups, one diagnosed with eating disorders (EDs), and another group without this pathology, assessing the fol-lowing oral manifestations: dental alterations, periodontal disorders, soft tissue disorders, non-stimulated salivary flow, and oral pH. Material and Methods: This comparative transversal epidemiological study included 179 participants, of whom 59 were diagnosed with EDs (Eating Disorder Group: EDG) and 120 had no antecedents of EDs (No Eating Disor-der Group: NEDG). All patients fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: women aged over 18 years, diagnosed with an ED by a specialist, patients who had undergone at least 1 year monitoring by the Clinical Nutrition Unit, and had not received any periodontal treatment during the previous 6 months. Both groups were homogeneous in terms of sex, age, education, and socioeconomic level. Oral exploration was performed, registering clinical variables, as well as sociodemographic and socioeconomic data, oral hygiene habits, and smoking. Statistical significance was established as p<0.05 (confidence level > 95%).Results: The dental erosion (DE) was the most significative feature of dental alterations. The degree of DE was significantly greater in the EDG (p<0.001). A significant association between soft tissue lesions and EDs was found (p<0.001) A notable difference in non-stimulated salivary flow was found between the groups (p<0.001) No significant differences between the groups were found for periodontal status, dental caries, or oral hygiene prac-tices. Conclusions: On the basis of the results obtained, it is necessary to carry out oral/dental examination as soon as an ED is diagnosed with regular check-ups thereafter

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Oral and dental health status in patients with eating disorders in Madrid, Spain.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to describe and compare the oral and dental health status of two groups, one diagnosed with eating disorders (EDs), and another group without this pathology, assessing the following oral manifestations: dental alterations, periodontal disorders, soft tissue disorders, non-stimulated salivary flow, and oral pH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This comparative transversal epidemiological study included 179 participants, of whom 59 were diagnosed with EDs (Eating Disorder Group: EDG) and 120 had no antecedents of EDs (No Eating Disorder Group: NEDG). All patients fulfilled the following inclusion criteria: women aged over 18 years, diagnosed with an ED by a specialist, patients who had undergone at least 1 year monitoring by the Clinical Nutrition Unit, and had not received any periodontal treatment during the previous 6 months. Both groups were homogeneous in terms of sex, age, education, and socioeconomic level. Oral exploration was performed, registering clinical variables, as well as sociodemographic and socioeconomic data, oral hygiene habits, and smoking. Statistical significance was established as p<0.05 (confidence level > 95%). RESULTS: The dental erosion (DE) was the most significative feature of dental alterations. The degree of DE was significantly greater in the EDG (p<0.001). A significant association between soft tissue lesions and EDs was found (p<0.001) A notable difference in non-stimulated salivary flow was found between the groups (p<0.001). No significant differences between the groups were found for periodontal status, dental caries, or oral hygiene practices. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the results obtained, it is necessary to carry out oral/dental examination as soon as an ED is diagnosed with regular check-ups thereafter.

Prevalence of oral side effects of chemotherapy and its relationship with periodontal risk: a cross sectional study.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of professionally reported oral side effects of chemotherapy and the self-reported oral side effects and whether both prevalences could be related to the periodontal risk of the patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment was carried out. Demographic, oral hygiene habits, and cancer-related data were collected while the patient was receiving the chemotherapy infusion. Patient's oral status, measured according to the oral-assessment guide for patients in hospital environments, patient-related outcomes (PROMs), measured by a visual analogue scale, and patient's periodontal risk were analyzed using validated questionnaires. Data was reported in means and standard deviations (SD) in quantitative variables and in counts, prevalence, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) in qualitative variables. ANOVA test and chi-squared tests were used to compare oral side effects among different periodontal risk groups. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-nine patients were included in the study. The prevalence of professionally reported oral side effects was 86.99% (95% confidence interval CI 83.54%; 90.44%). The prevalence of self-reported oral side effects was 89.70% (95% CI 86.59; 92.82). The most common oral side effects were xerostomia (73.4%), dysgeusia (61.8%), and dry lips (54.2%). More oral alterations were found in patients with worse periodontal risk (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of oral side effects (professional or self-reported) is higher than 85% in patients undergoing chemotherapy. This prevalence increases as the risk of developing periodontal disease does.

Tumor de células granulares (tumor de Abrikossoff) en la lengua. A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Granular cell tumor (Abrikossoff´s tumor) of the tongue. A case report and literature review

Introducción: El tumor de células granulares o tumor de Abrikossoff es una neoplasia de los tejidos blandos que suele afectar a mujeres entre la cuarta y la sexta década de la vida. Puede desarrollarse en cualquier parte del organismo, pero es en la región intraoral y especialmente en la lengua donde se localiza con mayor frecuencia como un nódulo asintomático de crecimiento lento. Se analizan los hallazgos clínicos e histopatológicos, el diagnóstico diferencial y la actitud terapéutica ante esta patología junto con una revisión de la literatura. Caso clínico: una mujer de 21 años de edad acude al Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Bucofacial de la facultad de Odontología de la universidad Complutense de Madrid por presentar una lesión asintomática en la lengua de un año de evolución. El diagnóstico definitivo tras la biopsia escisional fue de tumor de células granulares. Discusión: Descrito por primera vez en 1926 como ‘mioblastoma de células granulares’, ha recibido distintas denominaciones ‘neurofibroma de células granulares’ o ‘schwannoma de células granulares’ lo que evidencia su controvertida histogénesis. Actualmente se defiende la teoría de un origen neural de las células granulares basado principalmente en estudios inmunohistoquímicos. Su comportamiento generalmente benigno y su baja tasa de recidiva tras la exéresis quirúrgica establecen un pronóstico favorable. Conclusiones: Dadas las posibilidades diagnósticas que se pueden establecer clínicamente, la realización de una biopsia escisional y su posterior análisis histopatológico, resulta indispensable para el correcto diagnóstico y tratamiento de la lesión (AU)

Introduction: Granular cell tumor is a soft tissue neoplasm that usually affects females in the fourth to sixth decades of life. It can affect any area of the body, with preponderance to the oral cavity, specifically in the tongue, as an asymptomatic nodule of slow growth. histological findings, differential diagnosis and therapeutic implications are discussed together with a review of the literature. Case report: A 21 year old female comes to the Oral Surgery and Medicine Department of the Complutense university of Madrid because of an asymptomatic lesion in the tongue of a year of evolution. The final diagnosis after exisional biopsy was granular cell tumor. Discussion: Firstly described as ‘granular cell myoblastoma’, different terms have been applied to this entity such as ‘granular cell neurofibroma’ or ‘granular cell schwannoma’. The theory of a neural origin of the granular cells based on inmunohistochemical studies is now accepted. Its usual benign behavior and its low recurrence rate after surgical excision set a favorable prognosis. Conclusion: A surgical excisional biopsy of the tumor and histological examination are necessary for the correct diagnosis and treatment due to differential diagnosis including benign soft tissue tumors (AU)

The pattern of lip cancer occurrence over the 1990-2011 period in public hospitals in Madrid, Spain.

BACKGROUND: Some regions of Spain along with Canada and Australia have the highest rates of lip cancer in the world. The objective of this study was to examine the trends in the pattern of occurrence of lip cancer in Madrid, Spain. METHODS: Data were extracted from the Central Tumour Registry of Madrid, between 1990 and 2011. Variables examined were age, sex, topographic and morphological location and tumour histology. Two consecutive periods, 1990-2001 and 2002-2011, were studied by descriptive and analytical methods, and the data from the two periods were statistically compared. RESULTS: A total of 881 cases were registered during the period 1990-2011. Comparing data between the two periods (1990-2001 and 2002-2011), subtle variations in age, histology and location were noted. Gender ratios remained constant. The mean age increased from 66.3 to 69.7 years (P < 0.05). In the second period, the histological distribution showed an increase in frequency of basal cell carcinoma, from 2.1% to 4.7%, while the frequency of squamous cell carcinomas remained constant. Basal cell carcinoma no longer predominantly occurred in women, decreasing from 80% to 21.1% (P < 0.001). The distribution by gender of squamous cell carcinoma had become more equal due an increase in its frequency in women (P < 0.001). Frequency of tumours on lip mucosa and commissure had increased between the two periods (P < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of lip cancer reported to Public Hospitals of Madrid is changing: declining rates are noted since 2001-02. However, it is necessary to monitor these data to confirm the observed trends in future years.

Ability of Dental Students in Spain to Identify Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Cancer.

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of students at the School of Dentistry, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, to diagnose oral cancer and other potentially malignant disorders, as well as to compare their ability at different stages of the learning process and evaluate their knowledge retention. Students were surveyed after they had studied oral medicine and oral pathology at two time points: midway through and near the end of their studies. The survey consisted of questions about 40 photographs of benign oral lesions, malignant oral lesions, and potentially malignant disorders. The response rate for all groups was greater than 70%. The results showed that these students' overall success rate in differentiating benign from malignant lesions averaged 73.9%. When the distinction for potentially malignant disorders was included, their average overall success rate decreased to 42.8% (p<0.001). Furthermore, the students' average success rate was at its lowest at the end of the dental program (p<0.001). Results from this study suggest that, given these students' difficulties in identifying potentially malignant disorders, an increased emphasis on cancer education in the dental curriculum may be needed for future practitioners to master this ability.

Alpha lipoic acid efficacy in burning mouth syndrome. A controlled clinical tria

BACKGROUND: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and determine the statistical significance of the outcome variables. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is defined as an oral burning sensation in the absence of clinical signs which could justify the syndrome. Recent studies suggest the existence of neurological factors as a possible cause of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 patients with BMS, in two groups: case group with 600 mg/day and placebo as control group; with follow up of 2 months. RESULTS: 64% of ALA patients reported some level of improvement, with a level of maintenance of 68.75% one month after treatment. 27.6% of the placebo group also demonstrated some reduction in BMS symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term evolution and the intensity of symptoms are variables that reduce the probability of improvement with ALA treatment

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Alpha lipoic acid efficacy in burning mouth syndrome. A controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) and determine the statistical significance of the outcome variables. Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is defined as an oral burning sensation in the absence of clinical signs which could justify the syndrome. Recent studies suggest the existence of neurological factors as a possible cause of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 patients with BMS, in two groups: case group with 600 mg/day and placebo as control group; with follow up of 2 months. RESULTS: 64% of ALA patients reported some level of improvement, with a level of maintenance of 68.75% one month after treatment. 27.6% of the placebo group also demonstrated some reduction in BMS symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term evolution and the intensity of symptoms are variables that reduce the probability of improvement with ALA treatment.

Descriptive study of the patients treated at the clinic 'Integrated Dentistry for patients with Special Needs' at Complutense University of Madrid (2003-2012)

OBJECTIVES: To study clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients treated at the clinic 'Integrated Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs (Special Care Dentistry)' at Complutense University of Madrid (UCM),as well as to know the dental treatments performed in these patients and the modifications from the usual treatment protocol. The information obtained from the results could also be applied in order to assess the needs of dental students education about this type of patients. Study DESIGN: Medical records review of all the patients referred to the clinic of 'Integrated Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs', performing a retrospective cross-sectional study analyzing their main pathology, ASA risk score (Classification system used by the American Society of Anesthesiologists to estimate the risk posed by the anesthesia for various patient conditions), pharmacological treatment, what kind of dental treatment was necessary, whether the patient was treated or not, and if it was required to change any procedure due to the patient health status (sedation or antibiotic prophylaxis). RESULTS: The number of patients referred to the clinic was 447, of whom 426 were included in this study. Out of them, 52,35 % were men and 47,89 were women, with a mean age of 49,20 years. More frequent pathologies were cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases (24,29 %), infectious diseases (12,41%), endocrine diseases (11,66%)and intellectual disability (8,85%). 70'18% of the patients were treated, with sedation being necessary in 9,03% of the cases and antibiotic prophylaxis in 11,70%

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Descriptive study of the patients treated at the clinic "integrated dentistry for patients with special needs" at Complutense University of Madrid (2003-2012).

OBJECTIVES: To study clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients treated at the clinic "Integrated Dentistry for Patients with Special Needs (Special Care Dentistry)" at Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), as well as to know the dental treatments performed in these patients and the modifications from the usual treatment protocol. The information obtained from the results could also be applied in order to assess the needs of dental students education about this type of patients. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records review of all the patients referred to the clinic of "Integrated dentistry for patients with special needs", performing a retrospective cross-sectional study analyzing their main pathology, ASA risk score (Classification system used by the American Society of Anesthesiologists to estimate the risk posed by the anesthesia for various patient conditions), pharmacological treatment, what kind of dental treatment was necessary, whether the patient was treated or not, and if it was required to change any procedure due to the patient health status (sedation or antibiotic prophylaxis). RESULTS: The number of patients referred to the clinic was 447, of whom 426 were included in this study. Out of them, 52,35 % were men and 47,89 were women, with a mean age of 49,20 years. More frequent pathologies were cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases (24,29 %), infectious diseases (12,41%), endocrine diseases (11,66%) and intellectual disability (8,85%). 70'18% of the patients were treated, with with sedation being necessary in 9,03% of the cases and antibiotic prophylaxis in 11,70%. CONCLUSIONS: Given the high number of patients with some kind of pathology and the amount of medicines that they use, it seems necessary for dentistry students to have a specific training regarding how to handle and treat these patients, so they will be able to provide them the best possible care.

Cuidados orales en el paciente oncológico / Oral care in the oncological patient

El odontólogo tiene un papel muy importante no solo en la detección precoz del cáncer oral, sino en el cuidado del paciente oncológico. Los tratamientos de quimioterapia y radioterapia producen efectos adversos en la cavidad oral, y el mantenimiento de la salud a ese nivel es esencial para prevenir y minimizar dichos efectos. Las complicaciones orales más comunes en pacientes con tratamiento oncológico son la mucositis, la hiposialia, las alteraciones del gusto, la osteonecrosis, el sangrado de la mucosa oral y las infecciones por inmunodepresión. El manejo de estas complicaciones comprende la identificación de la población de riesgo, el inicio de las intervenciones antes del tratamiento oncológico y el manejo oportuno de las lesiones provocadas por el mismo. Es imprescindible llevar a cabo una evaluación de la cavidad oral antes del tratamiento oncológico, realizando los tratamientos odontológicos que estén indicadas para así reducir las complicaciones durante y después del tratamiento antineo-plásico (AU)

The dentist has a very important role not only in the early detection of oral cancer, but also in the care of the oncological patient. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments produce adverse effects in the oral cavity, and the maintenance of health at this level is essential to prevent and minimise these effects. The most common oral complications in patients with oncological treatment are mucositis, hyposalivation, taste alterations, osteonecrosis, bleeding of the oral mucosa and infections due to immuno-suppression. The management of these complications includes the identification of the population at risk, the commencement of interventions before the oncological treatment and the timely management of the lesions caused by it. It is essential to carry out an evaluation of the oral cavity before the oncological treatment, performing dental treatments that are indicated in order to reduce the complications during and after the antineoplastic treatment (AU)

Diagnostic criteria in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: Evaluation

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the ability of the diagnostic criteria proposed by Cerero et al in 2010 to perform an early diagnose in patients with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. Study DESIGN: retrospective study with patients diagnosed with leukoplakia at Oral Medicine Service at Oral Medicine and Surgery Department at Dentistry Faculty at Universidad Complutense of Madrid. RESULTS: the criteria were applied in 116 patients, turning positive in 40 cases. Out of these, 24 (60%) had been previously diagnosed with PVL. Most frequent criteria were major criteria A and E, concerning lesion's site and histopathology, and minor criteria b and c, concerning sex and smoking habit. CONCLUSIONS: diagnostic criteria developed by Cerero et al can be a useful tool for an early diagnose of PVL, as in 60% of the cases, the criteria would have allowed to make an early diagnose of the disease

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Síndrome de Sjögren. Revisión e implicaciones en el ámbito de la salud oral / Sjögren Syndrome. Review and impact on the area of oral health

El síndrome de Sjögren (SS) es una enfermedad crónica, sistémica, inflamatoria y autoinmune que afecta a las glándulas exocrinas salivales y lagrimales, produciendo boca seca (xerostomía) y ojos secos. El SS es la principal causa no y atrogénica de laxerostomía. Esta sensación subjetiva de sequedad orales la causante de que los pacientes consideren su salud oral deficiente. Suelen presentar dificultades para hablar, masticar y tragar, alteraciones del gusto, sensación de boca ardiente así como dolor en las glándulas salivales al comer. Actualmente no hay ninguna cura para el SS, así como ningún tratamiento que minimiceo restaure el daño hecho a las glándulas. El objetivo del tratamiento será aliviar el disconfort oral y mantener la bocahidratada

The Sjögren Syndrome (SS) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory and autoimmune disease that affects the salivary and lacrima lexocrine glands, producing dry mouth(xerostomia) and dry eyes. SS is the principal non-iatrogenic cause of xerostomia. This subjective sensation of oral dryness is the cause of patients considering their oral health deficient. Difficulties are usually presented in speaking, chewing and swallowing, taste alterations and burning mouth sensation aswell as pain in the salivary glands wheneating. Currently there is no cure for SS, nor is the retreatment that minimises or restores the damage to the glands. The objective of the treatment shall be to alleviate the oral discomfort and maintain the mouth hydrated

Diagnostic criteria in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: evaluation.

OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the ability of the diagnostic criteria proposed by Cerero et al in 2010 to perform an early diagnose in patients with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia. STUDY DESIGN: retrospective study with patients diagnosed with leukoplakia at Oral Medicine Service at Oral Medicine and Surgery Department at Dentistry Faculty at Universidad Complutense of Madrid. RESULTS: the criteria were applied in 116 patients, turning positive in 40 cases. Out of these, 24 (60%) had been previously diagnosed with PVL. Most frequent criteria were major criteria A and E, concerning lesion's site and histopathology, and minor criteria b and c, concerning sex and smoking habit. CONCLUSIONS: diagnostic criteria developed by Cerero et al can be a useful tool for an early diagnose of PVL, as in 60% of the cases, the criteria would have allowed to make an early diagnose of the disease.

Simulation for training in oral cancer biopsy: A surgical model and feedback from GDPs

Objectives: To describe a new bench model for oral precancer/cancer biopsy training and to assess its effectiveness in terms of trainees’ perception. Study design: Cross-sectional, descriptive, performed on 424 general dental practitioners (GDP) who undertook biopsies on a pig tongue. The participants were assessed by direct observation for 2.5 hours using specific checklists and by means of a self-applied questionnaire. Results: The workshop was perceived as “very interesting” even by those with previous surgical experience (Xi - Xj = 0.07; 95%CI= -0.20-0.09). Most GDPs considered themselves able to undertake oral biopsies on real patients after the workshop. Those who had previously received theoretical continuous education courses on oral biopsy scored higher values within the group (Xi - Xj = 0.20; 95%CI= 0.04-0.37). Conclusions: There is a need for including clinical abilities workshops when instructing on oral biopsy techniques. More studies are needed to validate the procedure and to address cognitive and communication skills (AU)

Simulation for training in oral cancer biopsy: a surgical model and feedback from GDPs.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new bench model for oral precancer/cancer biopsy training and to assess its effectiveness in terms of trainees' perception. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional, descriptive, performed on 424 general dental practitioners (GDP) who undertook biopsies on a pig tongue. The participants were assessed by direct observation for 2.5 hours using specific check-lists and by means of a self-applied questionnaire. RESULTS: The workshop was perceived as "very interesting" even by those with previous surgical experience (Xi - Xj = 0.07; 95%CI= -0.20-0.09). Most GDPs considered themselves able to undertake oral biopsies on real patients after the workshop. Those who had previously received theoretical continuous education courses on oral biopsy scored higher values within the group (Xi - Xj = 0.20; 95%CI= 0.04-0.37). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for including clinical abilities workshops when instructing on oral biopsy techniques. More studies are needed to validate the procedure and to address cognitive and communication skills.