An insight into crystallization test: A neoteric approach for screening premalignant and malignant lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Crystallization test is based on the principle that, when a salt crystallizes out of an aqueous solution, the crystal growth is influenced by the presence of other substances in the solution, such as blood or plant extracts. If a mixture of copper chloride solution with a small amount of whole blood is allowed to crystallize under controlled experimental conditions, an aggregate of crystals forms. Crystallization method can be used as a diagnostic aid to provide information about the systemic conditions and general health of the patient. AIM: This study aims to study the patterns of crystallization and to further determine the efficacy of crystallization test as a screening modality in premalignant lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients of OSCC, 50 patients of premalignant lesions, and 50 healthy individuals were selected. One drop of blood was collected from the study groups to perform crystallization using cupric chloride. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, Student's t-test (two-tailed), and analysis of variance. RESULTS: The different patterns of crystals formed were studied and statistically analyzed. CONCLUSION: Based on the study, it was concluded that Crystallization test can be used as an effective screening modality for detection of premalignant lesions and OSCC.

Cytokeratin and fibronectin expression in orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst: A comparative immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: The orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC) is a rare developmental jaw cyst. It is crucial to distinguish it from keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) in all parameters including clinical behavior, immunohistochemical (IHC) profile and prognosis. This study aimed to analyze the IHC expression of cytokeratins and fibronectin in OOC, epidermoid cyst and dermoid cyst (EDC/DMC), dentigerous cyst (DC) and KCOT in order to explicate the pathogenesis of OOC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five cases of all study groups were incubated with CK10, CK13, CK19 and fibronectin antibodies and staining was assessed in the basal, intermediate and surface layers of epithelium. All the data were analyzed by SPSS software. Nonparametric Chi-square test and Spearman's correlation test were applied. RESULTS: The overall expression pattern of CK10, CK13 and CK19 was similar and resembled each other in the study groups of OOC and EDC. The immunoexpression was almost akin to each other in DC and KCOT. CONCLUSION: It was inferred from the results that the IHC profile of OOC is different from DC and KCOT and closer to EDC.

Calcifying ghost cell odontogenic tumor (CGCOT) with predominance of clear cells: a case report with important diagnostic considerations.

An 18-year-old female reported painful swelling in the left maxillary region 4 months after the extraction of tooth #15. Because incisional biopsy suggested ameloblastoma with clear-cell changes, segmental resection was performed. The microscopic examination of the excised tissue revealed histomorphologic diversity, with features of typical calcifying ghost cell odontogenic tumor (CGCOT) and a significant clear-cell component constituting more than 50% of the tumor mass without any features of malignancy. Clear cells were periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive and mucicarmine negative. CK19 was strongly positive in the solid tumor islands and variably positive in clear cells. A definitive diagnosis of CGCOT with predominance of clear cells was confirmed. Because both squamous metaplasia and clear-cell components were present in the ameloblastic follicles independent of each other, the presence of abundant calcifications favored the diagnosis of CGCOT with a clear-cell component over that of an ameloblastoma with clear-cell changes. The importance of identifying the histomorphologic features of the 2 entities, ameloblastoma and CGCOT, is highlighted. This appears to be the second case reported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge.