Barriers to early diagnosis and management of oral cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore perceived barriers to early diagnosis and management of oral cancer, as well as potential pathways for improvement in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a self-administered online questionnaire created via the Research Electronic Data Capture platform. The survey was distributed to health professionals trained in Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Dentists with clinical and academic expertise in oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD) and oral cancer. Data obtained were systematically organized and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: Twenty-three professionals from 21 LAC countries participated. Major barriers included the limited implementation of OPMD and oral cancer control plans (17.4%), low compulsory reporting for OPMD (8.7%) and oral cancer (34.8%), unclear referral pathways for OPMD (34.8%) and oral cancer (43.5%), and a shortage of trained professionals (8.7%). Participants endorsed the utility of online education (100%) and telemedicine (91.3%). CONCLUSION: The survey highlights major perceived barriers to early diagnosis and management of OPMD and oral cancer in LAC, as well as potential avenues for improvement.

Gastric adenocarcinoma and periodontal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The oral cavity is a link between of external environment with gastrointestinal tract. Studies are controversial on the presence of Periodontal Disease (PD) and its association with Gastric Adenocarcinoma (GAC). METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to verify the association between PD and GAC. Six electronic databases were evaluated between 1961 and 2022. Titles and abstracts were reviewed independently according to the eligibility criteria, assessing full texts of selected studies. The quality of the included research was verified using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control and cohort studies. Statistical analyses were performed based on fixed and/or random effects models to calculate the summarized Relative Risk (RR) and its 95 % Confidence Interval (95 % CI). RESULTS: There were 639 studies, of which nine articles were included (3 case-controls and 6 cohorts). Overall, the authors identified 1,253 cases of GAC 2,501 controls in case-control studies, and 1,631 patients with GAC enrolled in cohort studies. Patients presenting PD increased the risk of developing GAC by 17 % (RR=1.17; 95 % CI 1.03‒1.32), which remained regardless of the diagnostic method for PD, i.e., clinical examination (RR = 1.19; 95 % CI 1.14‒1.24) and self-report (RR = 1.34; 95 % CI 1.06‒1.69). Moreover, Asian patients (RR=1.17; 95 % CI 1.00‒1.36) with PD had a higher risk of having GAC than American and European patients (RR = 1.18; 95 % CI 0.84‒1.66). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of PD the risk of GAC suggesting that its infectious-inflammatory process of PD may be related to GAC development. Further investigations on the oral-gastric microbiota and its role in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer should be carried out, and the screening of patients with potential risk for GAC should be considered in the clinical practice of dentists.

Contribution of public oral pathology services to the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories (OMPLs) in Brazilian public universities to the diagnosis of lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A cross-sectional study was performed using biopsy records from a consortium of sixteen public OMPLs from all regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South). Clinical and demographic data of patients diagnosed with lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCC between 2010 and 2019 were collected from the patients' histopathological records. Of the 120,010 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (2010-2019), 6.9% (8,321 cases) were diagnosed as lip (0.8%, 951 cases), oral cavity (4.9%, 5,971 cases), and oropharyngeal (1.2%, 1,399 cases) SCCs. Most cases were from Brazil's Southeast (64.5%), where six of the OMPLs analyzed are located. The predominant profile of patients with lip and oral cavity SCC was Caucasian men, with a mean age over 60 years, low schooling level, and a previous history of heavy tobacco consumption. In the oropharyngeal group, the majority were non-Caucasian men, with a mean age under 60 years, had a low education level, and were former/current tobacco and alcohol users. According to data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, approximately 9.9% of the total lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCCs reported over the last decade in Brazil may have been diagnosed at the OMPLs included in the current study. Therefore, this data confirms the contribution of public OMPLs with respect to the important diagnostic support they provide to the oral healthcare services extended by the Brazilian Public Health System.

Inactivation of the putative suppressor gene DOK1 by promoter hypermethylation in primary human cancers.

The DOK1 gene is a putative tumour suppressor gene located on the human chromosome 2p13 which is frequently rearranged in leukaemia and other human tumours. We previously reported that the DOK1 gene can be mutated and its expression down-regulated in human malignancies. However, the mechanism underlying DOK1 silencing remains largely unknown. We show here that unscheduled silencing of DOK1 expression through aberrant hypermethylation is a frequent event in a variety of human malignancies. DOK1 was found to be silenced in nine head and neck cancer (HNC) cell lines studied and DOK1 CpG hypermethylation correlated with loss of gene expression in these cells. DOK1 expression could be restored via demethylating treatment using 5-aza-2'deoxycytidine. In addition, transduction of cancer cell lines with DOK1 impaired their proliferation, consistent with the critical role of epigenetic silencing of DOK1 in the development and maintenance of malignant cells. We further observed that DOK1 hypermethylation occurs frequently in a variety of primary human neoplasm including solid tumours (93% in HNC, 81% in lung cancer) and haematopoietic malignancy (64% in Burkitt's lymphoma). Control blood samples and exfoliated mouth epithelial cells from healthy individuals showed a low level of DOK1 methylation, suggesting that DOK1 hypermethylation is a tumour specific event. Finally, an inverse correlation was observed between the level of DOK1 gene methylation and its expression in tumour and adjacent non tumour tissues. Thus, hypermethylation of DOK1 is a potentially critical event in human carcinogenesis, and may be a potential cancer biomarker and an attractive target for epigenetic-based therapy.

Gastric adenocarcinoma and periodontal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background The oral cavity is a link between of external environment with gastrointestinal tract. Studies are controversial on the presence of Periodontal Disease (PD) and its association with Gastric Adenocarcinoma (GAC). Methods The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to verify the association between PD and GAC. Six electronic databases were evaluated between 1961 and 2022. Titles and abstracts were reviewed independently according to the eligibility criteria, assessing full texts of selected studies. The quality of the included research was verified using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for case-control and cohort studies. Statistical analyses were performed based on fixed and/or random effects models to calculate the summarized Relative Risk (RR) and its 95 % Confidence Interval (95 % CI). Results There were 639 studies, of which nine articles were included (3 case-controls and 6 cohorts). Overall, the authors identified 1,253 cases of GAC 2,501 controls in case-control studies, and 1,631 patients with GAC enrolled in cohort studies. Patients presenting PD increased the risk of developing GAC by 17 % (RR=1.17; 95 % CI 1.03‒1.32), which remained regardless of the diagnostic method for PD, i.e., clinical examination (RR = 1.19; 95 % CI 1.14‒1.24) and self-report (RR = 1.34; 95 % CI 1.06‒1.69). Moreover, Asian patients (RR=1.17; 95 % CI 1.00‒1.36) with PD had a higher risk of having GAC than American and European patients (RR = 1.18; 95 % CI 0.84‒1.66). Conclusions The presence of PD the risk of GAC suggesting that its infectious-inflammatory process of PD may be related to GAC development. Further investigations on the oral-gastric microbiota and its role in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer should be carried out, and the screening of patients with potential risk for GAC should be considered in the clinical practice of dentists.

Contribution of public oral pathology services to the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories (OMPLs) in Brazilian public universities to the diagnosis of lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A cross-sectional study was performed using biopsy records from a consortium of sixteen public OMPLs from all regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South). Clinical and demographic data of patients diagnosed with lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCC between 2010 and 2019 were collected from the patients' histopathological records. Of the 120,010 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (2010-2019), 6.9% (8,321 cases) were diagnosed as lip (0.8%, 951 cases), oral cavity (4.9%, 5,971 cases), and oropharyngeal (1.2%, 1,399 cases) SCCs. Most cases were from Brazil's Southeast (64.5%), where six of the OMPLs analyzed are located. The predominant profile of patients with lip and oral cavity SCC was Caucasian men, with a mean age over 60 years, low schooling level, and a previous history of heavy tobacco consumption. In the oropharyngeal group, the majority were non-Caucasian men, with a mean age under 60 years, had a low education level, and were former/current tobacco and alcohol users. According to data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, approximately 9.9% of the total lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCCs reported over the last decade in Brazil may have been diagnosed at the OMPLs included in the current study. Therefore, this data confirms the contribution of public OMPLs with respect to the important diagnostic support they provide to the oral healthcare services extended by the Brazilian Public Health System.

Oral health and risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and esophagus: results of two multicentric case-control studies.

Poor oral health has been reported as a risk factor in the etiology of head and neck cancer. Data on oral health were ascertained as part of two multicenter case-control studies comprising 924 cases and 928 controls in central Europe and 2,286 cases and 1,824 controls in Latin America. Incident cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (oral cavity, pharynx, larynx) and esophagus, as well as age (in quinquennia)- and sex frequency-matched controls, were enrolled from 1998 to 2003. Poor condition of the mouth (central Europe: odds ratio (OR) = 2.89, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.74, 4.81; Latin America: OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.42), lack of toothbrush use (Latin America: OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.28, 4.36), and daily mouthwash use (Latin America: OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.96, 5.89) emerged as risk factors for head and neck cancer, independent of tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Missing between six and 15 teeth was an independent risk factor for esophageal cancer (central Europe: OR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.26, 6.41; Latin America: OR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.04, 4.59). These results indicate that periodontal disease (as indicated by poor condition of the mouth and missing teeth) and daily mouthwash use may be independent causes of cancers of the head, neck, and esophagus.

Primary oral melanoma: population-based incidence.

Primary oral melanoma (POM) is a rare form of melanoma, generally diagnosed at a late stage and has poor prognosis. Epidemiological information has scarcely been reported in the literature over the past 40 years. Analyzing the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents volume IX (CI5-IX) database we found a total of 124,436 oral cavity cancers reported from all population-based cancer registries and 319 cases of POM reported by 67 cancer registries. To our knowledge this is the largest number of POM cases analyzed and accounts for 0.26% of all oral cavity cancers. ASR(W) for POM do not exceed 0.01 per 100,000 persons-year in all regions. The most common anatomic sites were palate (47%) and gum (27.6%) and a detailed oral mucosa examination and biopsies of nodular or macular lesions in these sites, especially on elderly patients, is advised to be routinely performed.

Dietary habits: a risk or protective factor for cancer of the mouth and oropharynx in Goias, Brazil?

In developed countries, oral cancer is the eightieth most common cancer type, whereas in the developing world it is the fourth most common type of the disease. Known risk factors for oral cancer are smoking, alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, poorly-fitting dentures. This study analyzed sociodemographic and dietary factors as risk factors for cancer of the mouth and oropharynx. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was carried out from November 1998 to June 2003. The cases were patients with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and oropharynx at the Araujo Jorge Hospital in Goiania, Goias, Brazil. Controls were selected in two public general hospitals of Goiania with no oncologic departments. Results: The study consisted of 200 cases (41.8%) and 279 controls (58.2%). Multivariate analysis, adjusted for smoking, alcohol consumption and place of residence, showed that fish, fresh tomatoes, citric fruit, apples and pears consumption was a protective factor, while cakes and desserts remain as independent risk factors. Conclusions: Dietary habits are important in the prevention of oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Healthy dietary habits should be stimulated through educational campaigns, the objective of which should also be to combat alcohol and tobacco consumption.

A exposição ocupacional como fator de risco no câncer de cavidade oral e orofaringe no Estado de Goiás / The occupational exposition as a risk factor in oral and oropharyngeal cancer in the State of Goiás

Introdução: Estudos dos fatores de risco para os cânceres de boca e orofaringe constituem-se em relevante ferramenta para políticas de promoção e prevenção da saúde. Alguns fatores, como o tabagismo e o etilismo, são amplamente estudados; outros, como a ocupação, carecem de mais estudos. Objetivos: Verificar os fatores de riscos associados ao câncer de boca e orofaringe. Métodos: Estudo caso-controle multicêntrico entre o RCBP-Goiânia e a IARC. Os casos foram selecionados no Serviço de Cabeça e Pescoço do Hospital Araújo Jorge, Goiânia. Os controles foram pacientes de dois hospitais da Rede Pública Estadual de Saúde, não especializados em Oncologia, em Goiânia. Foram avaliadas as exposições, classificadas conforme a descrição do IARC (1987). Foram utilizados os testes de qui-quadrado e o teste T de Student, quando aplicáveis. A associação entre a variável dependente (câncer) e as variáveis independentes (as exposições aos agentes carcinogênicos) foi estimada pelo cálculo da OR bruta e da ajustada por tabagismo, por etilismo e por origem de residência, com IC de 95%. Resultados: Foram selecionados 200 (41,8%) pacientes considerados casos e 279 controles (58,2%). A análise multivariada demonstrou que a fumaça de cromatos, os pigmentos, os pó de algodão, o aerosol de animais, os pesticidas e a poeira de madeira foram fatores de risco independentes para o câncer de boca e orofaringe. Conclusão: A exposição ocupacional às substâncias carcinogênicas em ambientes de trabalho também são fatores de risco para o câncer de boca e orofaringe; portanto, a adoção de uma política de prevenção pelos órgãos fiscalizadores do trabalho, bem como campanhas mais efetivas contra o hábito de fumar e o uso de bebidas alcoólicas podem promover a redução desse tipo de câncer em grandes populações.

Introduction: Researches about the risk factors for oral and oropharyngeal cancer constitute in a relevant tool for politics of health promotion and prevention. Some factors as tobacco smoking and alcohol are widely studied; others such as occupation ask for further research. Objective: To verify the risk factors associated to oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Methods: a prospective multicentric case-control between RCBP- Goiânia and IARC. The cases were selected from the Head and Neck Service at Araújo Jorge Hospital, Goiânia. The controls were patients from two public hospitals not specialized in Oncology, in Goiânia. The expositions classified according to IARC's description (1987) were evaluated. The chi-squared test and Student's T test were used, when applicable. The association between the dependent variable (cancer) and the independent variables of exposition to the carcinogenic agents were estimated by calculating the gross OR and adjusted by tobacco smoking, alcohol and residence origin with a 95% IC. Results: 200 patients (41.8%) considered cases and 279 (58.2%) controls were selected. The multivariated analysis showed that chromate smoke, pigments, cotton powder, animals' aerosol, pesticides and wood dust were independent risk factors to oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Conclusion: The occupational exposition to carcinogenic substances in work environment are risk factors to oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Therefore, the adoption of prevention politics by the work controlling agencies, as well as more effective campaigns against the smoking habit and the use of alcoholic beverages may promote the reduction of this kind of cancer in large populations.

Incidência, mortalidade e tendência do câncer de cavidade oral e orofaringe em Goiânia de 1988 a 2003 / Incidence, mortality and trends of the oral cavity and oropharynx in Goiânia from 1988 to 2003

Introdução: os cânceres de boca e orofaringe apresentam distribuição mundial heterogênea, com predomínio em homens acima de 50 anos. No Brasil, foi registrada alta incidência de câncer oral em Porto Alegre, Belém, Goiânia, Campinas e Fortaleza, sendo considerado o quarto mais freqüente em homens e o sétimo mais freqüente em mulheres. Objetivo: avaliar incidência, mortalidade e tendências do câncer oral e de orofaringe em Goiânia, de 1988-2003. Método: Os casos incidentes foram obtidos do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional de Goiânia (RCBPGO), de 1988-2003 e foram estratificados em grupos <45 e >45 anos. Resultados: As taxas acumuladas para o câncer oral foram 0,73/100000 (1988-1992) e 0,97/100000 (1998-2003) para <45 anos e de 4,30 a 9,52/100000 >45 anos em homens, respectivamente. Nas mulheres, as taxas foram 0,41/100000 (1988-1992) e 0,25/100000 (1998-2003). As taxas para o câncer de orofaringe, em homens, nos períodos de 1988-1992, 1993-1997 e 1998-2003 foram 0,12; 0,35 e 0,28/100000 (<45) e 1,87; 5,04 e 3,66/100000 (>45) respectivamente; nas mulheres foram 0,84; 0,73 e 1,00/100000 (<45), 3,02; 2,56 e 3,65/100000, respectivamente. A tendência evidenciou discreto aumento de casos incidentes de câncer oral e pequena redução em orofaringe. As taxas de mortalidade mantiveram-se elevadas nos homens e estáveis nas mulheres. Conclusão: Os dados analisados no câncer de boca e orofaringe demonstraram que a dificuldade de acesso ao tratamento, assim como a exposição ao tabaco e álcool, são fatores que impedem a redução da mortalidade dessas neoplasias em Goiânia.

Introduction: Oropharynx and mouth cancers show a world heterogeneous distribution predominantly in men aged more than 50 years. There has been registered high incidence of oral cancer in Brazil in the cities of Porto Alegre, Belém, Goiânia, Campinas and Fortaleza, being it considered the fourth most common cancer in men and the seventh most often in women. Objective: To analyze the incidence, mortality and tendency of mouth and oropharynx cancer in Goiânia during the period of 1988-2003. Methods: Incident cases were obtained from Goiânia Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR-GO) from 1988 to 2003 and were stratified into groups <45 and >45 years old. Results: Cumulative incidence rates for oral cancer were 0.73/100000 (1988-1992) and 0.97/100000 (1998-2003) <45 years old and 4.30 to 9,52/100000 >45 years old in men, respectively. In women, the rates were 0,41/100000 (1988-1992) and 0.25/100000 (1998-2003). Oropharyngeal cancer levels in men over the period of 1988-1992, 1993-1997 and 1998-2003 were 0.12; 0.35 and 0.28/100000 (<45) and 1.87; 5.04 and 3.66/100000 (>45) respectively, in women were 0.84; 0.73 and 1.00/100000 (<45), 3.02; 2.56 and 3.65/100000 respectively. It was shown a slight increasing in the incidence of oral cancer and a small decreasing in oropharyngeal ones. Mortality levels were kept high in men and stable in women. Conclusion: According to the analyzed data in oropharyngeal and oral cancer, it is still difficult the access to the treatment. Furthermore, the exposition to tobacco and alcohol are factors whose prevention is decreasing the mortality rates from these malignancies in Goiânia.