The potential of CD44 as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in oral cancer.

The CD44 family of molecules exists as a wide range of isoforms ubiquitously expressed on the surface of mammalian cells. The variation in patterns of CD44 expression on cancer cells has been widely studied in relation to their behaviour, and further interest has recently arisen in CD44 as a marker of the subfraction tumour cells acting as cancer stem cells in several types of tumours. This review focuses on the patterns of CD44 expression on the stem cell fraction of oral squamous cell carcinoma and on the relationship of detectably different patterns of CD44 expression to the behaviour of tumours.

Late Reactivation of Cherubism in a Patient With New-Onset Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to describe a case of cherubism with late progression, after skeletal maturity had been reached, that coincided with a recent diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the published data and searched for any reported association between cherubism and PCOS. We also reviewed the cases of late reactivation of cherubism. RESULTS: This is, to our knowledge, the first case report of cherubism associated with PCOS. CONCLUSION: Cherubism is a rare condition, which, in its normal course, becomes quiescent after puberty. Only a few cases of late growth have been reported. The understanding of the condition has evolved in recent years, with a better appreciation of the underlying genetics and pathogenesis of the disease. However, much remains unknown about this rare entity. We describe a case of cherubism reactivation that coincided with changes related to PCOS. Both PCOS and cherubism are associated with a low-grade inflammatory state.

Holistic Patient Assessment: Dermatology in Dental Practice.

As part of the holistic approach to their patients, General Dental Practitioners are well placed to identify common skin lesions. Awareness and recognition of worrying lesions allow timely and appropriate referrals for further investigation and treatment. In this paper, we review benign, premalignant and malignant skin lesions, as well as genetic skin conditions. Past medical, family and social history (including sun exposure and previous cutaneous malignancy) is important. Examination includes the lesion, the skin type and the regional lymph nodes. The different common lesions are described, and the epidemiology, clinical features and treatment are discussed. Screening for skin lesions on the head and neck may be undertaken as part of overall dental care as part of the holistic examination of patients. Particularly with precancerous lesions and skin cancer, an early detection and referral from a dentist can expedite treatment and improve prognosis.

Paraneoplastic syndromes in patients with primary oral cancers: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to review all the paraneoplastic syndromes of primary tumours of the oral cavity. Metastatic tumours of the mouth and primary tumours of the oropharynx (including tonsils), and major salivary glands were excluded. The primary search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE, and included every paraneoplastic syndrome from a primary oral tumour described in English, French, or German papers during the last 20 years. The secondary search was conducted by handpicking articles from reviews on paraneoplastic syndromes of the head and neck. The aim of the tertiary search was to identify conditions that had been reported only rarely. We then cross-referenced "mouth neoplasm" with every paraneoplastic condition cited in relevant review articles. We classified the paraneoplastic syndromes that arose from tumours of the head and neck into six categories: endocrine, dermatological, vascular and haematological, rheumatoid, ocular, and neurological. The following conditions are described in this review: syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone production, hypercalcaemia, hypercalcaemia-leucocytosis syndrome, ectopic production of beta-human chorionic gonadotrophin, Bazex syndrome, Sweet syndrome, tripe palm syndrome, pemphigus, pityriasis rotunda, neutrophilic leukemoid reaction, cerebral venous sinus thrombophlebitis, digital ischaemia, dermatomyositis, necrotising myopathy, autoimmune retinal degeneration, and subacute cerebellar degeneration. Paraneoplastic syndromes of the oral cavity are a heterogeneous group. Most syndromes occur from squamous cell carcinoma and their aetiology is poorly understood. They are important to recognise as they can be the presenting complaint of a malignant tumour, change the prognosis, and considerably reduce the quality of life.

Lithiasis of minor salivary glands: current data.

Sialolithiasis is the main pathology of major salivary glands. Sialolithiasis of minor salivary glands is, however, generally considered to be extremely rare. Lithiasis of accessory salivary glands apparently occurs more frequently than alleged and therefore should be included in differential diagnosis of tumors of the oral mucous membrane. The elementary lesion consists of a firm nodule located under the mucosal membrane on the upper lip or cheek. Nodules should be excised and examined by histopathology.