An unusual presentation of pyogenic granuloma of the lower lip.

Exophytic growth of the oral cavity often presents a diagnostic challenge because a diverse group of the pathologic process can produce such lesions. Inflammatory hyperplasia is one of the important etiology behind the exophytic growths of the oral cavity. The pyogenic granuloma (PG) is the most common type of inflammatory hyperplasia found in the oral cavity especially in the gingiva. Extragingival occurrence of PG is very rare. This case report has described an extragingival PG which occurred on the lower labial mucosa in a 54-year-old male patient.

Dental Caries and Periodontal Disease Status in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Screening Study in Urban and Semiurban Population of Karnataka.

OBJECTIVES: To test the validity of numerous anecdotal claims of poor oral hygiene status being a contributory or etiology for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and to isolate the microorganisms associated with oral cancer, to elucidate their role if any, in oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 242 OSCC patients and 254 controls were screened. Questionnaires were used to inquire about the past condition of the oral health. Dental caries, oral hygiene status and periodontal disease status were assessed using indices. Microorganisms were identified by bacterial culture methods. RESULTS: Majority of cases (Group-1) (57.85 %) never visited the dentist compared to controls (Group-2) (46.06 %). Group-1 brushed once in a day (93.4 %) and less often twice a day (6.6 %) compared to Group-2 (81.1 % and 18.9 %). There was no significant difference in caries experience in both groups. Teeth missing due to periodontal reasons were more in Group-1 (40 %) than Group-2 (26 %) (p < 0.002). Poor oral hygiene and increased pocket depth were seen in Group-1 than in Group-2 (p < 0.001). Streptococcus species (α-hemolytic) followed by Staphylococcus species were the predominant microorganisms isolated from Group-1 compared to Group-2 with (62 % vs. 66 %) and without habits (40 % vs. 66 %). CONCLUSION: Tobacco consumption, lack of dental visits and infrequent brushing are significantly associated with increased risk of oral cancer. There seems to be no association between dental caries and OSCC. However, periodontal disease experience is directly proportional to OSCC. Increased pathogenic flora may produce carcinogenic metabolites or post-operative infections.