Oncocytes in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma of the Palate: Diagnostic Challenges.

The origin of a salivary gland tumour is attributed to cells at various levels of differentiation which present histologically as diverse tissues and cellular patterns. Mitochondria-rich, eosinophilic oncocytes are cells commonly encountered in salivary gland neoplasms. We report a case of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) in the palate of a 43-year-old female that exhibited a prominent oncocytic component. While the parotid and submandibular glands have been reported as predominant sites for oncocytic MEC (OMEC), the palate and minor salivary glands are rare sites for occurrence. Also, most of the reported cases of OMEC have been histologically of low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma with large cystic spaces and good prognosis. In this article, we discuss the differential diagnosis and diagnostic workup of an MEC presenting with oncocytes.

Revisit of Nasolabial Flap in the Reconstruction of Defects Involving the Oral Floor.

AIM: The aim of this article is to present the usefulness of the nasolabial flap (NL flap) along with a detailed review of the factors that lead to its selection for the reconstruction of post-ablative oral floor defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients who underwent the procedure between June 2009 and June 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 16 reconstructive procedures were performed. NL flap was selected for reconstruction in all the cases due patient related factors mainly associated medical comorbidities, resource constraints, and the relatively small size of defects, which precluded the use of free flaps. RESULTS: None of the flaps were lost, 26% of patients had flap related complications. Most of the complications were minor and managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Data from this study suggest that NL flap is a reliable option for reconstruction of the oral floor, in form as well as function, without esthetic compromise and has a major role even in this era of free flaps.

Dentoalveolar surgery in oral submucous fibrosis: need for caution.

Performing exodontia in patients with the precancerous condition of oral submucous fibrosis is difficult but frequently necessary. There is mucositis and trismus, faulty wound healing and predisposition to infection. Exodontia and dentoalveolar surgery in these patients may result in distressing sequelae and diagnosis of any subsequent complications like space infection is difficult. Hence, these patients must be treated as a special care group and measures adopted to ease distress. Literature has been reviewed with an eye to understand the underlying nature of the disease and factors that contribute to these problems.