Hypohydrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia in an Indian Family.

Hereditary ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a rare genetic disorder chiefly affecting ectodermally derived structures including hair, nails, sweat glands etc. with pathognomic manifestations such as hypotrichosis, hypohidrosis, and hypodontia. Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplaisa, being the most frequently encountered subtype and HED, being the rare subtype. HED is primarily transmitted through X-linked recessive trait in which the gene is carried by the female and manifested in male. Although rare, this disorder may be seen affecting lot of members of the same family. We hereby report a series of four cases with common classical manifestations accompanied with spoon shaped nails, hyperpigmentation, oligodontia and hypotrichosis. The patients were treated for prosthetic rehabilitation and were asked to wear cool clothing.

Clear cell myoepithelial carcinoma involving vestibule and alveolus: A rare case report with review of literature.

Myoepithelial carcinomas (MCs) are difficult to distinguish from their benign counterpart due to diverse morphology. This neoplasm was introduced by Stromeyer et al. in 1975. They comprise of <2% of all salivary gland carcinomas involving most commonly major salivary glands and are characterized by differentiation of tumor cells into myoepithelial cells. The cells may present as epithelioid, plasmacytoid, spindle, clear, stellate and mixed type predominantly. Literature search revealed very few cases reported as clear cell variant of MC. Here, we report a case of clear cell MC involving buccal vestibule extending up to alveolus. The diagnosis was confirmed, and the patient was surgically treated.

A Clinical Study to Examine the Effect of Complete Denture on Head Posture/Craniovertical Angle.

INTRODUCTION: Edentulous patients show some significant changes in ridge relationship caused by resorption of alveolar ridge. The changes are characterized by an upward rotation of mandible, increase in mandibular prognathism that ultimately results in change of natural head posture. AIM: This clinical study was planned to know the effect of complete denture on head posture in different age groups of Indian completely edentulous population, after placement of complete denture at various time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of completely edentulous patients without previous experience of the dentures. They were divided into 2 age groups: Group A (45-60) and Group B (61-75). During placement of complete denture craniovertical angle was measured with the help of custom made ruler protector device. Readings were taken before denture placement, immediately after denture placement, 30 minutes, 24 hours and 30 days after dentures placement. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that in most of the patients (90%) despite their age, change in head posture (extension) occurred immediately after the denture placement. Thereafter reading remains same for measurement at 30 minutes and 24 hours of denture placement. However after 30 days, observation revealed that all the patients showed reduced craniovertical angle (flexion). Even though the values of craniovertical angle remain higher than its baseline in both groups, significant changes were noticed only in Group A. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed that head posture was significantly altered by the placement of dentures in completely edentulous patients. Within the time interval of 30 minutes and 24 hours extension of head posture remained constant with slight variation. Although after 30 days, changes remained significant for group 'A', but no significant changes were observed in the subjects of group 'B'.

Capillary haemangioma on the palate: a diagnostic conundrum.

Haemangiomas are benign tumours of blood vessel origin and are classified as capillary, cavernous or central. They appear as flat or raised reddish-blue lesions and are generally solitary, affecting women in younger age groups. The tumour may be slowly progressive, involving extensive portions of the superficial and deep blood vessels, and affect function, depending on location. They are common in the head and neck region but rarely in the oral cavity. Oral lesions generally appear on the lips, buccal mucosa and tongue, but rarely on the palate. As the lesion can be confused with pyogenic granuloma, histopathological examination is important for a final diagnosis. The case presented here signifies a rare location of a capillary haemangioma on the palate in a middle aged man. The lesion was diagnosed by histopathology after surgical excision.

The road to radiation protection: a rocky path.

Radiation has intrigued us with its magnificent properties of imaging and healing. But this discovery, like many others, came with a heavy price. The pioneers of this form of energy themselves often succumbed to its devastating effects and hence, paved a way for future generations to be wary of it, while continuing to use it. This paper attempts to salute those masters who have helped make the radiation world a safer place to live and work in.

Insight to a tobacco user's mouth: An epidemiological study in Bhopal.

BACKGROUND: The rampant tobacco abuse is escalating the Indian health sector towards a future overburdened with high prevalence of cancer and potentially malignant conditions. Thus manifestations of tobacco abuse have become a widely recognized but poorly tackled public health issue. To understand the same, a study was conducted in a dental college of Bhopal, India. METHODOLOGY: A hospital based cross sectional study was done over a period of 1.5 years. Patients giving history of deleterious habits were included in the study. The form of tobacco/areca nut used, duration and frequency of usage and awareness regarding their ill-effects were recorded. All documented data was subjected to statistical analysis using chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of 2033 individuals studied 21% were below the age of 25 years, 53% in 26-50 years, 20% in 51-75 years and 6% above 76 years of age with 85% being males. 67% used smokeless form, 21% smoked and 12% used tobacco in both smokeless and smoking form. 58% of the individuals had tobacco associated lesions, of which oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) was the most prevalent. The relation between duration and frequency of abuse and occurrence of lesion was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The smokeless form was most widely abused in this part of the country especially the younger population. OSMF, a premalignant condition with debilitating effects on the lifestyle, was the most prevalent lesion associated with tobacco use. These findings call for early and aggressive intervention methods be put into action.