Accuracy of palpation, ultrasonography, and computed tomography in the evaluation of metastatic cervical lymph nodes in head and neck cancer.

INTRODUCTION: India accounts for the majority of oral cancer cases occurring worldwide. The metastasis of oral cancer to the regional lymph nodes and distant sites determines the prognosis and the survival rate of this disease. OBJECTIVES: The aim and objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative clinical methods such as palpation, ultrasonography (USG), and computed tomography (CT) in comparison with postoperative histopathological findings in determination of metastatic cervical lymph nodes and also to assess whether combining these techniques increases the specificity and sensitivity of lymph node metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODOLOGY: Totally, 26 consecutive biopsy proven cases of oral SCC were included, and the nodal status was evaluated by palpation, CT and ultrasound (US) and confirmed by histopathological examination. The results were presented in terms of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, accuracy, and P value. RESULTS: Palpation, USG, and CT findings were compared with histopathologic findings by Fisher's exact test and the "P" value for palpation, US and CT were 0.003, 0.000, 0.000, respectively, which are statistically significant. CONCLUSION: US examination combined with CT gives a better assessment of the neck for nodal metastasis.

Peripheral calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor - Case report.

The calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT), Pindborg tumor is a benign, slow growing, but locally invasive neoplasm. It is known to have a common intraosseous variant and a very rare extraosseous variant. We report an unusual case of an extraosseous variant of CEOT of unusual large size and maxillary anterior location, the treatment was planned considering the clinical, radiological and histological features. Though peripheral types are less aggressive and had no recurrence, in our case regular follow up is required considering the aggressiveness of the lesion and its proximity to important adjacent structures.

Epidermal inclusion cyst of the mandible after extraction of a third molar: case report.

Epidermal inclusion cysts of the head and neck are rare. We report the case of a non-traumatic epidermal inclusion cyst in the submandibular region, with both intraosseous and extraosseous components, which communicated with the socket of a third molar extracted 12 years previously.

Histological significance of p53 gene expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa.

INTRODUCTION: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) results from genetic mutations which activate the oncogenes and inactivate the tumor suppressor gene namely TP53. Despite the use of multimodality treatments the prognosis of oral SCC has not changed significantly. PURPOSE: To evaluate 1) if there is any correlation between the two prognostic indicators i.e. p53 over expression and histological grade of the tumor 2) if any of the parameters of histological grading correlate significantly with p53 over expression. This information would help in understanding the exact role of TP53 gene mutation in cellular progression of oral SCC. METHOD: Study was conducted on 90 resected specimens of Stage IV SCC of buccal mucosa. Slides from these specimens were evaluated for histological grading by Anneroth's method and p53 over expression by Immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Statistically significant co-relation was seen between the total histological grade and p53 over expression. Also 4 individual histological parameters which indicated high cellular turnover were also significantly associated with p53 over expression. CONCLUSION: TP53 mutation histologically signifies an early event in cellular progression of oral SCC.