Circulating Tumor Cells in Oral Cancer.

Till now, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is graded as well-differentiated, moderately-differentiated, poorly-differentiated, and undifferentiated. However, this grading does not have a prediction of the prognosis of the patient. Also, prognosis impacts lymph node metastases, surgical margins, and vascular invasions (neural invasion, muscular invasion, salivary gland invasion). The prognosis of lymph node metastases is significant, which affects the survival of the patients which is 50%. So, a dependable blood marker is needed for prognosis in OSCC patients with loco-regional and distant recurrence. Some factors can be assisted only after surgery and invasive techniques to check the prognosis of the disease. Despite the ease of examining the oral cavity, there is no practical approach for non-invasive screening and detecting cancer. As it is abrupt to use such invasive procedures from time to time, there is a need for nonsurgical and reliable techniques to assess the progression of tumors. Also, frozen sections are helpful during the intraoperative procedure to evaluate the lymph node metastases. An increase in the number of tumor cells through blood is a significant event in disease metastases toward the peripheral blood. Oral health impact assessment instruments could aid in determining the quality of life, and their usage in the initial stages of oral carcinoma could help physicians choose the best treatment option for enhancing the quality of life.

Correlation of Pattern of Invasion, Stromal Inflammation and Lymphovascular Invasion With Histopathological Grading in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the progress in diagnostics and treatment modalities, the survival rate of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients has remained unchanged. Early diagnosis of the disease helps in better treatment and prognosis. Identifying clinicopathological and histopathological parameters that help predict disease progression is crucial. OBJECTIVES: To assess the significance of various clinical and histopathological factors in OSCC and to correlate the patterns of invasion of tumour (POI), stromal inflammation, and lymphovascular invasion with the histopathological grading of OSCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 30 oral squamous cell carcinoma cases from 2015 to 2021. The surgically operated cases of OSCC were obtained from the archives of the Oral Pathology Department. The subjects were categorized according to the degree of differentiation of OSCC. The parameters like the pattern of invasion of tumour (POI), stromal inflammation, and lymphovascular invasion were assessed and correlated with the different histopathological grades of OSCC. RESULTS: We observed a statistically significant correlation between the pattern of invasion and stromal inflammation with histopathological grades of OSCC. There was no significant association between lympho-vascular invasion and histopathological grades of OSCC. CONCLUSION: We conclude that histopathological parameters like the pattern of invasion and stromal inflammation significantly impact different grades of OSCC. These parameters should be included in routine histo-pathological reports for predicting clinical outcomes and management of the disease.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma with multiple recurrences: An unusual presentation.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a type of malignant salivary gland tumors that is extremely rare. EMC primarily affects major salivary glands, particularly the parotid gland, but minorsalivary glands are also affected. It contributes less than 0.5-1% of all salivary gland neoplasms. Multiple recurrences are relatively rare with EMC. There have been very few reports of multiplerecurrences in the literature. Biphasic tubular structures composed of externalclear cells and inner ductal cells are the distinguishing histopathological feature. However, histological variation is prevalent, making a precise diagnosis challenging. We present a case of EMC that had multiple recurrences during a six-year period.

Case Report: Basaloid Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue: A Case Report.

Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare variant of conventional squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) frequently affecting the upper aerodigestive tract. The hypopharynx, tonsil, supraglottic larynx, tongue (base), and head-neck regions are particularly susceptible to BSCC. Clinically, the presentation of BSCC and conventional SCC is similar, but BSCC has a poorer prognosis. BSCC is distinguished histopathologically by a dimorphic pattern, a distinctive basal cell component paired with a squamous component. However, its similar features to conventional SCC makes it difficult to diagnose. Therefore, histopathology and immunohistochemistry play a crucial role in diagnosing such tumors. Here we present the case of a 70-year-old male diagnosed with BSCC involving the tongue.

Role of proliferative markers in assessing recurrences in surgical margins of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review.

The primary goal of this systematic analysis is to determine the predictive significance of proliferative markers in surgical margins of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A thorough literature search was done on databases like MEDLINE/Pub-Med, Cochrane and Scopus libraries for similar studies until December 2022. All the relevant original research studies (retrospective and prospective) published in the literature assessing the predictive value of proliferative markers in surgical margins in OSCC were included. Seventeen studies with 1159 patients were included. The research included here used p53, p44/p42, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Ki-67, Bcl2, Nibrin, AgNORs, Cyclin B1, Cornulin, ISG 15antibodies, MCM3 in OSCC. Four studies were done on oral premalignant lesions and OSCC. Among these studies, Ki-67 was the most accurate, followed by p53 (75%) and AgNORs, while PCNA had the least accuracy. To minimize the risk of bias panel of antibodies was suggested in most studies. For interobserver variability, analysis of variance and Chi-square test were used in most studies. The chance of recurrence rate was calculated using a log-rank test and a Kaplan-Meier curve. The significance of proliferative markers in surgical margins of OSCC has been emphasized in the present review. Future research should focus on selecting antibodies, preferably a panel, with a large sample size and extended follow-up.

Unicystic Ameloblastoma (UA): A Case Series.

Ameloblastomas are true benign tumors of odontogenic epithelial origin mostly seen in the mandible. After odontoma, it is the second most commonly seen odontogenic neoplasm. Ameloblastomas comprise several clinical, radiological, and histological varieties, making them the most significant odontogenic neoplasm. Unicystic ameloblastomas (UAs) refer to those cystic lesions that show clinical, radiographic, or gross features of jaw cysts but on histologic examination, they show a typical ameloblastomatous epithelium lining the cysts' cavities, with or without luminal and/or mural tumor proliferation. UAs are a less encountered variant of ameloblastomas and are believed to be less aggressive. As this tumor shows considerable similarities with dentigerous cysts, both clinically and radiographically the biological behavior of this tumor group was reviewed.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Plus Lesions: A Case Report and a Literature Review.

The intraosseous osteolytic lesions mainly involving the metaphyseal region of vertebrae and long bones were diagnosed as aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs). Further, an ABC was known as an ossifying hematoma. It is considered an expanding osteolytic lesion consisting of blood-filled spaces of variable sizes separated by connective tissue septa containing trabeculae of osteoid tissue and osteoclast giant cells. It is frequently reported to involve long bones; however, only 1.9% prevalence is seen in jaw bones. It represents a very small percentage of all non-odontogenic tumors. ABC shows variations in age prevalence and its clinical presentation may be challenging to the surgeon. In addition, ABC may occur in association with other primary bone pathologies like ossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, and giant cell tumor; such entities are known as ABC plus lesions. Here we present a classic case of ABC plus lesion.

Significance of HIF-1α and CD105 in establishing oral squamous cell carcinoma associated with oral submucous fibrosis a distinct clinicopathological entity.

Context: Oral squamous cell carcinoma associated with oral submucous fibrosis (OSCC with OSMF) is clinicopathologically a distinct entity. However, scientific proof in view of assessment of biomarkers of hypoxia and neoangiogenesis to differentiate them are lacking. The expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-α (HIF-1α) and CD105 in OSCC with and without OSMF possibly will be explicated along these lines. Aim: This study aims to evaluate the molecular basis of hypoxia and neoangiogenesis in terms of immunohistochemical expression of HIF-1α and CD105 in OSCC with and without OSMF cases. Settings and Design: A retrospective cohort. Subjects and Methods: The study comprise of 203 histopathologically diagnosed surgically operated cases of OSCC retrieved from the departmental archives. The OSCC cases were subgrouped into two, OSCC with OSMF (Group I) and OSCC without OSMF (Group II). The evaluation of hypoxia and angiogenesis was carried out by immunohistochemical markers, HIF-1α and CD105. MVD is the parameter of angiogenesis expressed by CD105. Statistical Analysis Used: Differences in CD105, and HIF-1α immunoreactivity between study groups were done using descriptive statistics using "Kruskal-Wallis test," "Mann-Whitney test." Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: On comparison of MVD in Group I and II, statistically significant difference was found in MVD (8.88 ± 3.41, 16.13 ± 5.86, P = 0.0001). The HIF1-α expression was less in Group I (6.85 ± 2.62) as compare to Group II (7.22 ± 3.08) but the difference was statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.35). Conclusions: The OSCC with OSMF is not only clinicopathologically distinct entity of OSCC but also diverse in its molecular pathogenesis as explicited by distinct expression of HIF-1 α and CD105.

Odontogenic tumors: A review of 93 cases in the Vidharba region of Maharashtra.

BACKGROUND: Tumors of the odontogenic origin (OTs) are rare tumors accounting for 1% of all the jaw tumors in the oral cavity. The behavior of these tumors ranges from hamartomatous proliferation to malignant neoplasm. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological data, clinical and histopathological picture with variants of the OTs diagnosed at our institute in the Vidarbha region. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A retrospective study was carried out with the permission from the institutional authorities. The archival records of the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology were reviewed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 93 cases of OTs were reviewed retrospectively from the archival records of the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology from January 2008 to December 2018. Statistical analysis was carried out and the determination of the age, gender, jaw, site, diagnosis, variants and year-wise distribution of odontogenic lesions was taken out using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Ninety-three cases of OTs were identified. The most common OT identified was ameloblastoma (n = 37/39.7%) followed by keratocystic OT (n = 8/8.6%), adenomatoid OT (n = 7/7.5%) and odontome (O) (n = 6/6.4%). The tumors were diagnosed in a wide age range from 1st to 3rd decennium of life. The mandibular posterior region was the most commonly affected anatomical site with the maxilla and mandible ratio of 1:6. CONCLUSION: OTs were found to be rare in the sample studied. The findings of the study were in concordance to those of Asian and African series. Variations were shown from the series of American reports, and further investigations are needed for this disparity.

Expression of p53 at invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinoma and negative histopathological surgical margins to establish correlation at 3-year survival.

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. The histologic features of OSCC differ from area to area within same tumor, and most prognostic information can be revealed from the invasive front of tumor. The most accepted line of treatment is radical neck dissection. The boundaries of a resected specimen are the surgical margins (SMs), which are excised by the surgeon. The survival outcome is based on the status of these resected SMs. To avoid local recurrence and improve overall survival, it is necessary to attain negative SM. Apart from routine histopathology, the molecular assessment of resected margins has recently gained value which has a promising role for margin surveillance. The value of the use of molecular markers in the routine examination of resection specimens of OSCC has not yet established. It is crucial to identify the percentage of altered cells in SMs which go undetectable in the routine histopathology. It is essential to assess their role in recurrence and survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was divided into two groups, i.e., Group I (control group): ten cases of normal oral mucosa and Group II consisted of thirty cases, in which biopsy samples of invasive tumor front and histopathologically negative SM of OSCC were included. Both the groups were subjected to p53 immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: There was overexpression of p53 at the deep tumor invasive front of OSCC associated with different histologic grades of malignancy. CONCLUSION: The overexpression of p53 at the invading tumor front with clear SMs is associated with poor survival. p53 expression at the tumor front can be a prognostic marker for OSCC.

Oral submucous fibrosis: An enigmatic morpho-insight.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic progressive, scarring disease affecting oral, oropharyngeal, and sometimes the esophageal mucosa. It is characterized by the progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissue. The pathogenesis of OSMF has been directly related to the habit of chewing areca nut and its commercial preparation, which is widespread in Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. The areca nut has been classified as a "group one human carcinogen." Oral squamous cell carcinoma in the background of OSMF is one of the most common malignancies in South and Southeast Asian countries. Malignant transformation has been reported in 7%-12% cases of OSMF. Histopathological spectrum of OSMF includes the apparent alterations observed in the epithelium and connective tissue. Epithelial atrophy and sometimes epithelial hyperplasia with or without dysplasia are the peculiar alterations seen in the epithelium. In the connective tissue, there is extracellular matrix remodeling which results in excessive collagenization. Further cross-linking of collagen leads to hyalinization which makes the collagen resistant to proteolysis. Owing to fibrosis in the connective tissue, there is narrowing of blood vessels which further results in compromised blood supply to the local tissue milieu, that is, hypoxia. This tissue hypoxia elicits angiogenesis which may result in the malignant transformation of OSMF. Perpetual irritation of areca nut and its constituents to the oral mucosa leads to upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and further juxtaepithelial inflammation. Thus, these coordinated reactions in epithelium and connective tissue leads the OSMF toward malignant transformation.

T-cell lymphoma of oral cavity: A rare entity.

Lymphomas are heterogeneous malignancies of the lymphatic system characterized by lymphoid cell proliferation. They can broadly be divided into Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non-HL (NHL). NHL can originate from B, T or natural killer lymphocytes. Extranodal presentation of T-cell NHL is extremely rare and is often seen in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we report a rare case of T-cell lymphoma of the oral cavity in a 13-year-old patient. The patient was diagnosed to have T-cell lymphoma on the basis of biopsy and immunohistochemistry and was referred to the oral surgery department for definite treatment.

Ki67, CD105, and α-SMA expressions better relate the binary oral epithelial dysplasia grading system of World Health Organization.

BACKGROUND: The binary system of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) has never been investigated with reference to the carcinogenesis-related biomarkers. Hence, Ki67, CD105, and α-SMA immune-expressions were studied in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) to assess their relationship with the binary OED grading system of World Health Organization. METHODS: The study was carried out on paraffin-embedded tissues of 30 normal oral mucosa (NOM) and 140 OPMD cases. OPMD cases were classified into two groups "no/questionable/hyperkeratosis/mild"=low-risk epithelial dysplasia (LRED) and "moderate or severe"=high-risk epithelial dysplasia (HRED). The immunohistochemistry was carried out to evaluate the expression of Ki67, CD 105, and α-SMA antigen. RESULTS: According to the binary grading system of WHO, 69 (49.28%) cases were LRED, while 71 (50.71%) case showed HRED. There was significant increase in Ki67 labeling index (LI) from NOM to LRED to HRED (P=.000). Similarly, mean vascular density (MVD) also increased significantly from NOM to LRED to HRED (P=.000). The α-SMA expression was significantly higher in HERD compared to LRED and NOM (P=.000). A positive correlation was noted among Ki67 LI, MVD, and α-SMA expressions in NOM, LRED, and HRED (P=.000). CONCLUSION: The expressions of ki67, CD105, and α-SMA markers compliment binary grading system of OED in OPMDS, thus justifying its use in clinical practice.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma in the background of oral submucous fibrosis is a distinct clinicopathological entity with better prognosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathological features of oral squamous cell carcinoma in the background of oral submucous fibrosis (OSCC-OSMF) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: A total of 217 cases of OSCC were retrieved from achieves for the analysis. OSCC-OSMF cases were segregated on the basis of history and clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: The study included 217 patients of which 112 had OSCC and 105 OSCC-OSMF. OSCC-OSMFs were younger compared with OSCC. Overall oral cancer was noted predominantly in males compared to females. The number of OSCC-OSMF was more in clinical TNM stage I and stage II as compared to OSCC, whereas the number of OSCC was more in stage III and stage IV compared to OSCC-OSMF. Histological presentation of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was significantly more in OSCC-OSMF compared to OSCC, whereas moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was significantly more in OSCC compared to OSCC-OSMF. Regional lymph node metastasis was significantly higher in OSCC compared to OSCC-OSMF. Three-year disease-free survival rate was significantly higher in OSCC-OSMF compared to OSCC. CONCLUSION: The OSCC-OSMF was found to be a clinicopathologically distinct entity with a better grade of tumor differentiation, less incidence of nodal metastases, and early detection (early clinical TNM stage) compared to OSCC. All these factors probably contribute to a better prognosis and increased 3-year disease-free survival in OSCC-OSMF patients.

Influence of risk factors on patients suffering from potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco use can alone lead to death worldwide, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. China and Brazil are the world's largest producer of tobacco. India holds the third place in producing, and it is the fourth largest consumer of tobacco and its products in the world. OBJECTIVES: A case-control study was carried out to assess the influence of risk factors on patients with potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty cases diagnosed with PMD and oral cancer patients were selected for the study. An equal number 50 healthy controls who were also selected after age and gender matching. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the suspected risk factors for PMD and oral cancers. Chi-square test, Adjusted odd's ratios with 95% confidence interval were also used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: There is a statistically significant difference between the different age group, duration, frequency, exposure time, and synergistic effect of tobacco chewing, smoking and alcohol drinking. CONCLUSIONS: Chewing tobacco is one of the major risk factors in the initiation of PMD which can lead to oral cancer.

Analysis of various risk factors affecting potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer patients of Central India.

CONTEXT: The use of tobacco/betel quid can alone lead to death. India is the fourth largest consumer of tobacco/betel quid in the world and the third-largest producer of tobacco/betel quid after China and Brazil. AIMS: A case-control study was carried out to assess the prevalence and various risk factors among potentially malignant disorders (PMD) and oral cancer patients of central India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 100 clinically and histopathologically diagnosed PMD and oral cancer patients were selected for the study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A histopathologically confirmed 100 patients who were suffering from PMD and oral cancers were selected and an equal number 100 healthy controls who were age- and sex-matched at par with the cases were also examined and interviewed. Chi-square (χ(2)) test and adjusted odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to estimate the suspected risk factors for PMD and oral cancers by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Significance level was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was observed in the age group, socioeconomic status (SES), duration, frequency, exposure time and synergistic effect of tobacco/betel quid chewing, smoking, and alcohol drinking in our study population. CONCLUSIONS: Chewing tobacco/betel quid is a strong risk factor in the development of PMD and oral cancer. Also age, gender, SES, education, and occupation influence the development of PMD and oral cancer.

XIAP and Ki-67: A Correlation Between Antiapoptotic and Proliferative Marker Expression in Benign and Malignant Tumours of Salivary Gland: An Immunohistochemical Study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis is crucial to the development of malignant neoplasm. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the expression of X-Linked inhibitor of apoptotic protein (XIAP) (antiapoptotic marker) and Ki-67 (proliferative marker) expression in benign and malignant salivary gland (SG) tumours. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of 40 cases of benign SG tumours and 50 cases of malignant SG tumours. The immunohistochemistry was carried out by using Ki-67 antibody (clone MIB-1) and XIAP antibody in all the groups. RESULTS: XIAP expression was significantly higher in malignant SG tumours than benign SG tumours (p = 0.016). Ki-67 LI was significantly higher in malignant SG tumours than benign SG tumours (p = 0.0002). Statistically significant positive correlation between Ki-67 count and XIAP expression was noted in benign and malignant SG tumours (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: As the expression of an antiapoptotic marker (XIAP) increases, the expression of a proliferative marker (Ki-67) also increases from benign to malignant SG tumours. Thus, targeted therapy of XIAP may play a future role in the management of SG malignancy.

Chondrosarcoma of maxilla.

Chondrosarcoma (CHS) is a rare malignant neoplasm of the jaws. Based on the morphologic features alone, a correct diagnosis of CHS may be difficult. Therefore, correlation of radiological and clinicopathological features are mandatory for the diagnosis of CHS. A case of CHS of the maxilla is reported. A brief discussion on the etiopathogenesis, radiologic and histologic presentation of the tumor and the treatment modalities of this unusual tumor is discussed.

Detection of micrometastasis in lymph nodes of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The annual mortality rate from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is over 11,000 worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) frequently metastasizes to the regional lymph nodes which are the first site of arrest of tumor cells that have invaded the peritumoral lymphatics, hence the strongest predictor of disease prognosis and outcome. AIM: The present study aims to compare the efficacy of frozen sections (cryosection), step-serial sectioning conventional H and E staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and RT-PCR analysis in detection of lymph node micrometastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective series of 30 patients who were diagnosed with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity and underwent surgical treatment including unilateral or bilateral selective neck dissection were considered for the study. RESULT: Metastatic carcinomatous cells were observed in H and E staining of frozen section in 18 lymph nodes (54%) and in 19 lymph nodes (57%) in step-serial sectioned H and E-stained sections of the 78 lymph nodes from 30 patients. Carcinomatous cells were immunolabeled with pancytokeratin in 18 lymphnodes (54%). CK19 mRNA was detected in 33 lymph nodes of 16 patients. RT-PCR gave positive signals for 24% and 23% of lymph nodes positive by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that RT-PCR is far more sensitive in detection of micrometastasis than any other technique used in routine procedures and immunohistochemistry. Fifty-three percent patients with micrometastasis detected by RT-PCR had large T3/T4 tumors. Prognosis was poor for patients who were positive for micrometastasis detected only by RT-PCR, among which two patients died within a period of 6 months.