RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Smoking is the cause of inducing changes in taste functionality under conditions of chronic exposure. The objective of this study was to evaluate taste sensitivity in young smokers and non-smokers and identify any differences in the shape, density and vascularisation of the fungiform papillae (fPap) of their tongue. METHODS: Sixty-two male subjects who served in the Greek military forces were randomly chosen for this study. Thirty-four were non-smokers and 28 smokers. Smokers were chosen on the basis of their habit to hold the cigarette at the centre of their lips. Taste thresholds were measured with Electrogustometry (EGM). The morphology and density of the fungiform papillae (fPap) at the tip of the tongue were examined with Contact Endoscopy (CE). RESULTS: There was found statistically important difference (p < 0.05) between the taste thresholds of the two groups although not all smokers presented with elevated taste thresholds: Six of them (21%) had taste thresholds similar to those of non-smokers. Differences concerning the shape and the vessels of the fungiform papillae between the groups were also detected. Fewer and flatter fPap were found in 22 smokers (79%). CONCLUSION: The majority of smokers shown elevated taste thresholds in comparison to non-smokers. Smoking is an important factor which can lead to decreased taste sensitivity. The combination of methods, such as EGM and CE, can provide useful information about the vascularisation of taste buds and their functional ability.
RESUMO
Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumour, usually diagnosed at advanced stages. We studied 3 patients who were treated at our Institute between 1991 and 1999. One patient presented with a stage A and 2 with a stage B tumour. One patient presented with coma due to inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone associated with a stage B tumour. All 3 patients were treated with complete surgical resection via a lateral rhinotomy approach and postoperative radiotherapy. There was no involvement of the cribriform plate. One patient developed a metachronous regional metastasis and was treated with neck dissection and radiotherapy. All 3 patients are free from recurrence with a follow-up period of 9 years, 18 months and 1 year, respectively. Combination therapy is the cornerstone of treatment for olfactory neuroblastoma. Complete surgical resection is the most important prognostic factor and can be accomplished via lateral rhinotomy for early stage tumours.
