Malignant transformation of oral leukoplakia: a multicentric retrospective study in Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Among the oral potentially malignant disorders, leukoplakia stands out as the most prevalent. The purpose of this study was to analyse the clinical-pathological features of oral leukoplakia in groups of patients from three major pathology centers in two different regions of Brazil, in order to determine which factors would be associated to the clinical risk of malignant transformation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 148 patients was analyzed, and data regarding gender, age, site, classification of the clinical subtype, harmful habits such as use of tobacco and alcohol, time of evolution and presence of dysplasia were collected. The association between risk factors and malignant transformation was investigated using the chi-square test and Fischer's exact test for correlation of variables. A significance level of 5% (p≤0.05) was used. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 60 years, and 56% were female. Most of the lesions (34,5%) were located in the lateral and ventral regions of the tongue. Of the 148 patients, ninety had clinical follow-up. Malignant transformation occurred in 13 patients (8.8%), with an average of 44 months of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Non-smoker, nonhomogeneous clinical presentation, location at the tongue, and the presence of high degree of dysplasia were statistically relevant factors associated with a higher risk of transformation transformation.

Clinicopathological analysis of head and neck chondrosarcoma: three case reports and literature review.

Chondrosarcoma (CHS) is a malignant neoplasm characterized by the formation of cartilaginous matrix by neoplastic cells, with a high propensity for local recurrences. Head and neck CHS is rare, accounting for less than 12% of all cases of CHS, usually affecting the maxilla. The majority of affected patients are in the fourth decade of life, with a slight predilection for male patients. A painless swelling is commonly the most frequent complaint. Surgery with wide en-bloc resection is the preferred treatment for CHS; radiotherapy and chemotherapy are usually palliative options. Owing to its rarity, there are few clinical series evaluating the biological behaviour of head and neck CHS. The aim of this study is to analyse the clinicopathological characteristics of head and neck CHS by reporting 3 new cases of this neoplasia affecting the jaw bones and reviewing the clinical series previously published in the English literature.

Malignancy in chronic ulcers and scars of the leg (Marjolin's ulcer): a study of 21 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To study the imaging features of patients with chronic ulcers of the leg that were associated with malignancy. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: All patients who on biopsy were proven to have malignancy--the majority of which were squamous cell carcinoma-were included in a prospective study. Ulcers limited to the foot were excluded but ulcers of the leg which extended into the foot were included. Amputation was performed in all but two patients, due to pain, bleeding or tissue necrosis. RESULTS: The etiology was multifactorial. The mean duration of the ulcers was 36 years including venous ulcers, extensive scarring of the leg secondary to infection, injury or burns. One ulcer was secondary to a snake bite. The remainder, usually in the upper part of the leg, had repeated episodes of blunt trauma or knife wounds, which were also complicated by infections which failed to heal or, if they healed, regularly recurred. Although arterial insufficiency was not primary in any patient, most were of advanced age and it may have been an element in some patients. Despite infection, osteomyelitis was present in only one patient. The essential features were bone destruction, soft tissue mass and periosteal reaction. The bone destruction was visible on the radiographs in all but one case. The soft tissue masses varied in size but in general were very large. The periosteal reaction varied in type but most commonly was lamellated. The classic undulating solid periosteal reaction of venous stasis was only occasionally present. The periosteal reaction was nonspecific in the majority of cases and did not aid in the diagnosis or etiology. MRI and CT studies were performed in six patients. These were helpful in defining the extent of bone destruction and periosteal reaction but were not essential in management. CONCLUSION: Chronic ulcer present for decades that then undergoes malignant change is a disease of developing countries where patients only consult physicians when they have developed complications such as pain, bleeding or tissue necrosis. Chronic ulcers may require to be biopsied at regular intervals as malignant change in these ulcers is directly related to their duration.

Chronic ulceration of the leg following extensive scarring due to a snake bite complicated by squamous cell carcinoma.

Chronic ulcers of the leg are common in Brazil, perhaps more common than in the developed world. We report a case of a chronic ulcer of the leg following extensive scarring due to a bite by a venomous snake, which eventually led to a squamous cell carcinoma.