Myomucosal composite graft: A simple technique for full-thickness vermilion defects of the lower lip.

Reconstruction of vermillion defects of the lower lip requires careful consideration of functional and aesthetic aspects. Traditionally, various local flap methods involving tissue advancement from the corner of the mouth, lateral chin, and medial cheek have been commonly employed to fill lower lip defects. However, these approaches have inherent limitations, which include technical complexity, disruption of the orbicularis oris muscle, lip tightening, microstomia, and visible scarring. To overcome these limitations, we employed a free myomucosal composite graft from the lower lip to reconstruct small to medium vermilion defects. Our technique is based on a simple and reproducible surgical approach that facilitates natural volume rearrangement of tissues. Moreover, this method enables precise inset and tension-free repair, prevents lip tightening, and offers excellent aesthetic outcomes with no vertical scarring and appropriate color matching with surrounding tissues.

Functional and esthetic reconstruction of composite lower lip defects with a motor-innervated chimeric facial artery buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the functional and esthetic outcomes of a chimeric innervated buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap (BMM-SIF) for large composite lower lip reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study included five patients who underwent lower lip tumor resection and BMM-SIF reconstruction at the Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, between August 2021 and February 2023. Lip function was evaluated using water leakage, cheek puffing tests, and superficial electromyography. Lip appearance was observed using photographs and evaluated through subjective interviews. Donor-site conditions, including facial symmetry and mouth opening, were monitored. RESULTS: All the BMM-SIFs survived. Drooling was the main complication observed shortly after surgery. The water leakage test showed complete oral competence for liquid holding in the 7th month; however, moderate air leakage was present in two patients. Electromyography revealed myoelectric signals from the innervated buccinator at the recipient site. Facial expression and food intake were typically managed. The shape and projection of the vermilion were harmonious and satisfactory for each patient. Neither microstomia nor mouth opening limitation was observed, with an average inter-incisor distance of 37.25±4.4 mm. CONCLUSION: Chimeric motor-innervated BMM-SIF effectively reconstructed large full-thickness lower-lip defects with satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes.

Association of Herpes simplex infection with significantly increased risk of head and neck cancer: real-world evidence of about 500,000 patients.

BACKGROUND: The role of viral agents in the development of head and neck cancers has remained controversial. While markers of viral origin have been isolated from oral cancer tissues, a causative relationship has yet to be shown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between head and neck cancers and Herpes simplex virus, one of the most common viral infections of the oral orifice. METHODS: Here, we conducted a retrospective analysis of two age- and gender-matched cohorts extracted from the real-world database TriNetX on March 10th, 2023, each consisting of 249,272 patients with and without Herpes simplex infections (ICD-10: B00). The diagnoses C00-C14 were analyzed, and risk analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival statics were computed. RESULTS: The strongest association was found for lip cancer (ICD-10: C00) with a hazard ratio [HR (CI 95% low-high)] of 3.08 (1.77-5.35). A significant association with HR of 1.17 (1.02-1.34) was found for the entire group of head and neck cancers. Confounders like smoking and alcohol dependence were considered using propensity score matching. CONCLUSION: The surprisingly strong correlation with lip, oral cavity, and pharynx neoplasms sheds new light on supposedly harmless herpes simplex infections, suggesting them as a possible new factor for risk stratification.

Rate of occult metastasis in lip squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The rate of occult metastasis in lip cancer is poorly studied. Management of the regional nodal basin in lip cancer is thus controversial. This study sought to understand the true rate of micrometastasis in lip cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted of English language studies reporting lip cancer sentinel node biopsy results. Studies were obtained from the PubMed database between the years 2000 and 2023 using the search terms "sentinel node biopsy" and "squamous cell carcinoma." Random effect and fixed effect meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS: Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. Low heterogeneity was noted among the studies, as indicated by the I2 inconsistency test (I2 = 0%). The rate of occult metastasis ranged between 0 and 33% (mean 9%). A total of 189 lip sentinel node biopsies had been performed. Of these, 21 revealed occult nodal metastasis (11.1%, 95% CI 7.36%-16.44%). One step, generalized linear mixed modeling revealed the true rate of occult nodal metastasis to be 10% (95% CI (0.0504, 0.1746), p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The rate of occult metastasis in lip cancer approaches the threshold for elective management of the regional nodal basin. Sentinel node biopsy is optimally suited for management of high-risk early T stage lip cancer.

Primary repair with no flaps for lower lip defects (30-80 %) after cancer excision.

Reconstruction of the lip is a necessary procedure when lip tumors are excised. Although many good techniques have been described, they often have disadvantages such as necrosis and extensive suture lines. In our approach, we aim to minimize the suture line and avoid tissue necrosis for medium-sized lip defects (30-80 %). This is a surgical technique report from a single center. After tumor resection, we made a bilateral 15 mm horizontal skin and mucosa incision from the angles of the lip to the lateral sides. The mucosa and skin were dissected from the underlying muscle, and the muscle was cut approximately 15 mm on each side. The lip defect was then closed and sutured in four layers. Finally, the released mucosa was sutured to the corner of the incised skin. We followed the patients for 36 months and found that their speech intelligibility, sensation, mobility, and aesthetic satisfaction were preserved. The scars were also less pronounced compared to flaps, and there were no signs of edema or drooling. In conclusion, our technique offers many advantages for moderate defects of lower lip tumors. By avoiding the use of flaps, we eliminate the complications associated with flap surgery while achieving aesthetically satisfactory results. However, further evaluation by other surgeons is necessary to fully examine the technique's benefits.

IMP3 Expression as a Potential Tumour Marker in High-Risk Localisations of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: IMP3 in Metastatic cSCC.

BACKGROUND: High IMP3 expression is correlated with a worse outcome. Until now, there have been no data about IMP3 expression and clinical outcome for high-risk localisation of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (cSCC). METHODS: One-hundred twenty-two patients with cSCC of the lip and ear were included, and IMP3 expression in the tumours was immunohistochemically assessed in different evaluation approaches. Subsequently, subgroups were analysed in a matched pair approach and correlated with clinical pathologic parameters. In the following, different IMP3 analysis methods were tested for clinical suitability. RESULTS: We found a significant correlation between IMP3 expression and risk for lymph node metastasis, local relapse, and progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: On basis of our data, we suggest a prognostic benefit cutoff value for high (>50%) and low (<50%) IMP3 expression. Thus, IMP3 expression has a high scientific potential for further studies and could potentially be used as a prognostic marker in diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making.

Appropriate Surgical Margins for Excision of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Lower Lip.

Background Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignancy on the lower lip. Surgical excision, the standard treatment for SCC, requires full-thickness excision. However, no consensus exists about the appropriate surgical margin. Therefore, we investigated the appropriate surgical margin and excision technique by analyzing 23 years of surgical experience with lower-lip SCC. Methods We reviewed 44 patients with lower-lip SCC who underwent surgery from November 1997 to October 2020. Frozen biopsy was performed with an appropriate margin on the left and right sides of the lesion, and the margin below the lesion was the skin above the sulcus boundary. If the frozen biopsy result was positive, an additional session was performed to secure a negative margin. Full-thickness excision was performed until the final negative margin. In each patient, the total number of sessions performed, final surgical margin, and recurrence were analyzed. Results Forty-one cases ended in the first session, 2 ended in the second session, and 1 ended in the third session. The final surgical margins (left and right; n = 88) were 5 mm (66%), 7 mm (9%), 8 mm (2.3%), 10 mm (20.4%), and 15 mm (2.3%). During an average follow-up of 67.4 months (range, 12-227 months), recurrence occurred in one patient. Conclusion The final surgical margin was 5 mm in 66% (58/88) of the cases, and 97.7% (86/88) were within 10 mm. Therefore, we set the first frozen biopsy margin to 5 mm, and we suggest that a 5-mm additional excision is appropriate when frozen biopsy results are positive.

Occupational variation in the incidence of lip cancer in the Nordic countries.

INTRODUCTION: While certain occupations, such as agriculture and fishery, have been associated with an increased risk of lip cancer, the occupational risk profile of lip cancer and its change over time remain poorly known. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of lip cancer across different occupations in the Nordic countries. METHODS: The Nordic Occupational Cancer Study (NOCCA) covers 14.9 million people and includes 45 years of cancer incidence data, from 1961 to 2005, linked to occupational categories for all the five Nordic populations. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to quantify the risk of lip cancer across occupational categories relative to the entire national populations. RESULTS: There were a total of 14,477 male and 3008 female lip cancer patients identified during follow up. The highest SIRs were observed among male fishermen (SIR 2.26, 95% CI: 2.04-2.50), gardeners (SIR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.48-1.72), and farmers (SIR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.55-1.66). A significantly reduced risk of lip cancer (SIR < 0.50) was observed among male physicians, teachers, religious workers, artistic workers, journalists, administrators, printers, waiters, and hairdressers. Among women, no occupations were associated with an increased risk of lip cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of lip cancer varies widely between outdoor and indoor occupations. Occupations involving outdoor activity and exposure to sunlight show the most elevated SIRs.

Certain outdoor occupations, such as agriculture and fishery, have been associated with an increased risk of lip cancer. However, the occupational risk profile of lip cancer and its change over time remain poorly known. This study highlights the excess risk of lip cancer among men with outdoor occupations and further corroborates previous studies. Efforts to counsel outdoor workers on the risk and prevention of lip cancer are needed to reduce the societal burden of the disease.

Simple lip reconstruction technique for middle-sized defects in lower lip cancer - Bilateral oblique mucosal V-Y advancement flap.

There is no standardized technique for lip reconstruction because the structure and functions of the lip are diverse. We developed a new lip reconstructive approach using a bilateral oblique mucosal V-Y advancement flap. We present the case of a 76-year-old woman with severe dementia, referred to our institute for a tumor on her lower lip. She was diagnosed with lip squamous cell carcinoma (cT2N0M0). The tumor measured 25 × 20 mm. It was resected with a surgical safety margin of 6 mm. Bilateral triangular flaps were fashioned obliquely on the rear lateral side of the defect extending from the labial to the buccal mucosa and used to repair the defect. The operation time was 66 min. She was discharged on the fourth postoperative day without any complications. Speech and food intake functions have been preserved and she has been followed up for 26 months with no recurrence. The lip closing and color match has been adequate despite a slight thinning of the lip. This technique offered a major benefit of short operation and hospitalization time because it was a simple, less-invasive, one-step procedure. This is a practical procedure, suitable for vulnerable patients of advanced age or with comorbidities.

Commissuroplasty Using Split Dry Lips: A Case Report.

Commissuroplasty is a procedure that is performed to correct deformities at the corner of the mouth or oral commissure. Herein, we report a case of postoperative microstomia treated with commissuroplasty using split dry lips. In a surgical procedure, the dry lip was divided into orbicularis oris muscle cutaneous flaps and transpositioned into the cleft formed. The deformation of the corners of the mouth improved, and mouth opening improved enough to wear dentures. We believe that this method enables commissuroplasty that combines aesthetics with function.

High-dose-rate brachytherapy at 3 Gy per fraction for lip carcinoma: Treatment outcomes and toxicity at 5-years.

PURPOSE: Low-dose-rate brachytherapy (LDR-BT) is a well-established treatment for lip cancer. High-dose-rate (HDR)-BT is a promising alternative to LDR-BT, but data are limited. In this context, we retrospectively evaluated treatment outcomes in a series of patients who underwent HDR-BT for lip carcinoma between 2003 and 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients were included in this study, with a median age of 73.5 years (range, 61 - 88). The indications for HDR-BT were as follows: primary treatment (n = 17), adjuvant treatment (n = 3), and recurrent disease after surgery (n = 12). The prescribed dose was 18 fractions of 3 Gy administered twice daily. RESULTS: At a median followup of 45 months (range, 12 -232), the 5-year local recurrence-free interval was 96.9% (95% CI: 90.9-100%), the disease-free interval was 85% (95% CI: 70.9-99.1), and 5-year overall survival was 64.7% (95% CI: 44.7-84.8). Eleven patients died, all on age related comorbidities. Acute toxicity manifested as G1 dry desquamation in 6 patients (18.8%), G2 erythema in 10 patients (31.2%) and G3 confluent moist desquamation in 16 patients (50%). Late complications included G1 fibrosis (100% of cases). G1 and G2 depigmentation was observed in 8 (25%) and 6 (18%) patients, G1 telangiectasia occurred in 5 patients (16%). CONCLUSIONS: These data support the use of HDR-BT for lip cancer. The dose and fractionation schedule used in this study (18 fractions x 3 Gy twice daily) seems to be effective and safe.

Lower lip reconstruction using McGregor fan technique with or without depressor anguli oris chimeric flap. Is there a difference in function and aesthetic outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Lower lip reconstruction aims to maintain facial subunit function and aesthetics. We present a minor modification of the McGregor flap technique, in which depressor anguli oris (DAO) muscle is separately elevated as a chimeric flap together to investigate the outcomes for reconstructing lower lip defects using various functional parameters. METHODS: The study included patients who underwent surgical repair of lower lip defects using a McGregor fan flap with or without DAO muscle chimeric flap between January 2018 and May 2021. The patients were divided into our modified technique with DAO chimeric flap (study group) and conventional McGregor (control group). The primary outcomes were functional evaluation of oral competency, speech intelligibility, and tactile sensation of reconstructed lip outcomes. The functional satisfaction and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were enrolled (10 patients for each group). Excellent oral competence was present in 12 patients, favorably significant in patients with DAO chimeric flap (n = 8/10, p = 0.018). All patients had intelligible speech with insignificant differences between the two groups. No patients demonstrated differences to light touch from baseline sensation at 1 year. Patients in the study group reported more lip function satisfaction (p = 0.049). The POSAS score indicates satisfaction with the appearance of all patients. CONCLUSION: McGregor fan technique combined with DAO muscle chimeric flap offers a good choice by maintaining sensory and motor functions. Our minor modification can ensure the integrity of the oral sphincter, leading to improved lower lip function.

Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates Associated with Smoking and Chewing Tobacco Use and the Human Development Index in 172 Countries Worldwide: An Ecological Study 2019-2020.

Tobacco use is associated with diseases worldwide, including cancer. This is one of the major public health problems globally, causing more than 19 million new cases in 2020. Lip and oral cavity cancer (LOCC) is neoplastic growth in the tongue, gums, and lips. The objective of this ecological study was to quantify the strength of the association between incidence and mortality of LOCC, with tobacco use and with the Human Development Index (HDI). Incidence and mortality data on LOCC were obtained for 172 countries in 2020, from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN). The prevalence of tobacco smoking and chewing was obtained from reports conducted in 2019. The inequality in human development was estimated using the HDI from the United Nations Development Program, Human Development Report (2019). Statistically significant correlations were observed between the incidence of LOCC and tobacco smoking and chewing prevalence, except for negative correlations between the prevalence of tobacco smoking LOCC mortality in women, just as in the case of the HDI. No statistically significant differences were found between the prevalence of tobacco chewing only and the incidence of LOCC overall and by sex. A higher LOCC incidence overall and by sex was associated with higher HDI. In conclusion, the present study found positive correlations for various HDI socioeconomic indicators and tobacco use with the incidence and mortality of LOCC, but also a few inverse correlations.

Lip Cancer: 20-Year Comparative Survival and Mortality Analysis by Age, Sex, Race, Stage, Grade, Cohort Entry Time-Period and Disease Duration A Systematic Review of 19,213 Cases for Diagnosis Years 1973-2014: (SEER*Stat 8.3.5).

This report summarizes the incidence, relative frequency distributions and survival & mortality by age, sex, stage and grade, of adult invasive primary cancers of the lip in two entrant time-periods as recorded in the SEER Program of the National Cancer Institute for diagnosis years 1973-2014 (SEER Stat 8.3.5). While the occurrence rates and frequency are low in the United States, they are exceptionally important from a clinical and surgical standpoint because of the morphological and functional changes involved.

Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Response in Lip Cancer.

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a significant role in cancer progression and prognosis of patients. The tumor microenvironment (TME) may affect the anti-tumor immune response. We examined the TIL and tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) density in the invading front and inner tumor stroma, and the lymphocyte subpopulation (CD8, CD4, FOXP3) density in 60 squamous cell carcinomas of the lip. Analysis was performed in parallel with markers of hypoxia (hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF1α), lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA)) and angiogenesis. Low TIL density in the invading tumor front was related with larger tumor size (p = 0.05), deep invasion (p = 0.01), high smooth-muscle actin (SMA) expression (p = 0.01), and high HIF1α and LDH5 expression (p = 0.04). FOXP3+ TILs infiltration and FOXP3+/CD8+ ratios were higher in inner tumor areas, linked with LDH5 expression, and higher MIB1 proliferation index (p = 0.03) and SMA expression (p = 0.001). Dense CD4+ lymphocytic infiltration in the invading front is related to high tumor-budding (TB) (p = 0.04) and angiogenesis (p = 0.04 and p = 0.006, respectively). Low CD8+ TIL density, high CD20+ B-cell density, high FOXP3+/CD8+ ratio and high CD68+ macrophage presence characterized tumors with local invasion (p = 0.02, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.006, respectively). High angiogenic activity was linked with high CD4+, FOXP3+, and low CD8+ TIL density (p = 0.05, 0.01 and 0.01, respectively), as well as high CD68+ macrophage presence (p = 0.003). LDH5 expression was linked with high CD4+ and FOXP3+ TIL density (p = 0.05 and 0.01, respectively). Further research is needed to explore the prognostic and therapeutic value of TME/TIL interactions.

Temporal trends of women with oral cavity, base of tongue and lip cancers in Brazil: An ecological study covering mortality data from 1980 to 2018.

OBJECTIVES: Obtaining robust evidence about the local mortality levels, trends and impact of oral cavity/base of tongue cancers and lip cancer, especially for women, is imperative in the fight against cancer. This descriptive retrospective ecological time-series study explored trends in oral cavity/base of tongue cancers and lip cancer mortality rates for women in Brazil from 1980 to 2018, by geographic region and anatomical location. METHODS: The crude and age-adjusted annual mortality rates were obtained by sex, anatomical location and macro-regions of Brazil. The number of deaths from oral cavity/base of tongue cancers and lip cancers in Brazil was based on official population counts and estimates. The annual percentage change was calculated based on age-adjusted rates. Data set were analysed using the Joinpoint Regression program. RESULTS: A total of 81,918 individuals died of oral cavity/base of tongue cancers and lip cancer between 1980 and 2018 in Brazil. The age-adjusted mortality rate for women was 0.47 and 0.57 per 100,000 in 1980 and 2018, respectively. The cumulative female mortality rates standardized by age were 0.01/100,000 for lip cancer and 0.5/100,000 for oral cavity and base of tongue cancers. A decrease in deaths related to oral cavity and base of tongue cancers was identified in the 1980s; however, over the last two decades, there has been an increase in the number of deaths of women with cancer at the base of tongue and neighbouring areas and on the floor of mouth. Importantly, Brazilian regions showed wide variability in trends of oral cavity, base of tongue and lip cancers rate and, in 2018, the regions with the highest rates were the Southeast, South and Northeast for both sexes and specifically for women. The North region showed the greatest recent significant upward trend. CONCLUSIONS: During the last 38 years, Brazil has shown a significant increase in the trend of the mortality rate due to oral cavity/base of tongue and lip cancers in women. Preventive strategies with control of risk factors should be strongly emphasized in order to improve the survival rates of individuals with oral cavity/base of tongue and lip cancers.

Laminin Immunostaining in Biopsies as a Useful Biomarker of Early Invasion in Actinic Cheilitis and Differential Diagnosis Between Actinic Cheilitis and Lip Cancer: New Insights.

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the lip (LSCC) and oral cavity can be life-threatening if not diagnosed early. Precancerous lesions like actinic cheilitis (AC), can transform into LSCC. Laminin is a fundamental component for basement membrane (BM) and its integrity may prevent neoplastic invasion. Therefore, laminin immunostaining of BM may be useful in identifying early invasion in actinic cheilitis and thus in the differential diagnosis between AC and invasive LSCC or high-grade epithelial dysplasia (ED). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Biopsies from 46 patients with oral lesions were histologically analyzed and immunohistochemically stained for laminin-1. RESULTS: AC was diagnosed in 34 patients and LSCC in 12 patients, including 3 patients with AC and concomitant high-grade ED/in situ carcinoma. Laminin-1 immunostaining revealed intense and linear expression of the BM in AC with low-grade ED. Loss of laminin expression was observed in LSCC. Intracellular laminin expression in parabasal cells was noted in AC with high-grade ED/in situ carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Laminin immunostaining could be useful in identifying AC cases suspected of early invasion. It could also contribute to the histopathological differential diagnosis between AC with low- and high-grade ED and between AC and invasive LSCC. The findings of this study provide new insights into the mechanism involved in the progression process of AC into LSCC, encouraging preclinical studies that may document the stochastic role of laminin in this process.

Carga por mortalidad del cáncer de labio, cavidad bucal y faringe

Fundamento: un análisis de la tendencia al cambio en la mortalidad del cáncer de labio, cavidad bucal y faringe y la cuantificación del impacto sobre la esperanza de vida en la población cubana puede ayudar a los investigadores y a los responsables de la formulación de políticas de Salud Pública a tener una visión integral de este problema. Objetivo: estimar la carga por mortalidad de cáncer de labio, cavidad bucal y faringe, por sexo, en Cuba en el período comprendido de 2005- 2020. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de corte transversal en el que se utilizaron series de datos quinquenales. El universo estuvo conformado por todas las muertes por cáncer de labio, cavidad bucal y faringe para los años estudiados. Se utilizó, para cada año y causas, el número de defunciones, se calcularon tasas por 100 000 habitantes y los años de vida potencialmente perdidos por mortalidad. Se calculó, el promedio y se estimó del cambio porcentual anual. Resultados: las tasas de mortalidad fueron entre 7,62 y 12,23 en hombres y 2,60 y 3,74 en mujeres, por 100 000 habitantes. En cuanto a los años de vida dejados de vivir temparanamente, por cáncer de labio, cavidad bucal y faringe se observó que en hombres las tasas asciendieron de 131 en el 2005 a 169 en el 2020 y de 40 a 52 en las mujeres. Concluciones: la carga por cáncer de labio, cavidad bucal y faringe en Cuba ha aumentado, fue superior en hombres, la tendencia es creciente en ambos sexos, por cáncer nasofaríngeo tanto hombres como mujeres fallecieron a edades más tempranas que, por otras localizaciones estudiadas, el cambio porcentual fue superior por cáncer faríngeo.

Background: an analysis of the trend of change in the mortality of cancer of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx and the quantification of the impact on life expectancy in the Cuban population can help researchers and those responsible for formulating health policies. Public to have a comprehensive view of this problem. Objective: to estimate the mortality burden of cancer of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx, by sex, in Cuba in the period 2005-2020. Method: a descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in which five-year data series were used. The universe was made up of all deaths from cancer of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx for the years studied. For each year and causes, the number of deaths was used; rates per 100,000 inhabitants and the years of life potentially lost due to mortality were calculated. The average was calculated and the annual percentage change was estimated. Results: mortality rates were between 7.62 and 12.23 in men and 2.60 and 3.74 in women, per 100,000 inhabitants. Regarding the years of life lost early, due to cancer of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx, it was observed that in men the rates rose from 131 in 2005 to 169 in 2020 and from 40 to 52 in women. Conclusions: the burden of cancer of the lip, oral cavity and pharynx in Cuba has increased, it was higher in men, the trend is growing in both sexes, both men and women died at younger ages due to nasopharyngeal cancer than, due to other locations studied, the percentage change was higher for pharyngeal cancer.

Deciphering miRNAs associated with cellular stress response and apoptosis mechanisms regulated by p53 activity in patients with lower lip cancer.

Cancers of the lips and oral cavity are a leading cause of death worldwide. Although they account for only 2% of the global cancer burden, they significantly affect the comfort of patients and eventually lead to a person's death. Also, defects in the cellular stress response and apoptosis mechanisms regulated by p53 activity is an important hallmark of cancer cells. Here, we aimed to decipher miRNAs associated with cellular stress response and apoptosis mechanisms regulated by p53 activity in patient with lower lip cancer and reveal the association of these miRNAs with the clinical course of the disease. The present research included a total of 40 eligible individuals with pathologically confirmed lower lip cancer diagnosis. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples of patients were obtained, and miRNAs expressions were analyzed by qPCR. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine p53 and Ki67 expression status. While three of these miRNAs (miR-130a, -375, and -128a) were found to be elevated in tumor cells compared to normal tissues of lower lip cancer patients, five were downregulated (let-7a, -7b, -7c, and miR-138, -23a), but only three were significantly altered. Particularly, we identified three miRNA signatures in which miR-128a was significantly upregulated and miR-23a and let-7c were significantly downregulated in patients with lower lip cancer. Remarkably, let-7c identified to be a promising prognostic factor for lip cancer. Our findings demonstrate that these miRNAs play important regulatory roles in lower lip cancer pathobiology, highlighting their potential relevance in diagnosis and prognosis of these patients. Moreover, these miRNAs can be targeted in future therapeutic interventions against lower lip cancer.

Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Actinic Cheilitis: A Systematic Review.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a chronic inflammation of the lip considered an oral, potentially malignant disorder associated with an increased risk of lip squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development. Controversies surrounding current therapeutic modalities of AC are under debate, and the implications of laser treatment have not been specifically investigated through a systematic review design. The present study aims to evaluate the degree of evidence of laser for the treatment of AC in terms of efficacy and safety. We searched for primary-level studies published before January 2022 through MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and CENTRAL, with no limitation in publication language or date. We evaluated the methodological quality and risk of bias of the studies included using the updated Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias (RoB-2). Twenty studies (512 patients) met our eligibility criteria. Laser therapy showed a complete clearance of AC in 92.5% patients, with a maximum recurrence rate of 21.43%, and a very low frequency of malignant transformation to SCC (detected in only 3/20 studies analyzed). In addition, cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction were described as excellent. In conclusion, our findings indicate that laser therapy is a high efficacy approach to AC.