Palatal Stent Following Tumor Ablative Surgery.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors of the salivary glands. Resection of this tumor can result in postsurgical morbidity, affecting the patient's quality of life and normal oral functioning. This study aimed to present a successful case of postsurgical rehabilitation following mucoepidermoid carcinoma resection in the palate. Following tumor ablative surgery, the 32-year-old patient experienced impairments in both speech and feeding due to the surgical wound. A protective stent that covered the entire extent of the palate and teeth was made. This esthetic device was fabricated in a single session and provided sealing and protection of the surgical site, ensuring comfort, functionality, and, consequently, a higher quality of life during the postoperative period. The simplicity and low cost of the custom palatal stent make it applicable for use in a diverse range of postsurgical oncology patients, providing protection for surgical wounds and reducing postoperative morbidity.

Can predictive factors determine the time to treatment initiation for oral and oropharyngeal cancer? A classification and regression tree analysis.

This ecological study aimed to identify the factors with the greatest power to discriminate the proportion of oral and oropharyngeal cancer (OOC) records with time to treatment initiation (TTI) within 30 days of diagnosis in Brazilian municipalities. A descriptive analysis was performed on the variables grouped into five dimensions related to patient characteristics, access to health services, support for cancer diagnosis, human resources, and socioeconomic characteristics of 3,218 Brazilian municipalities that registered at least one case of OOC in 2019. The Classification and Regression Trees (CART) technique was adopted to identify the explanatory variables with greater discriminatory power for the TTI response variable. There was a higher median percentage of records in the age group of 60 years or older. The median percentage of records with stage III and IV of the disease was 46.97%, and of records with chemotherapy, radiation, or both as the first treatment was 50%. The median percentage of people with private dental and health insurance was low. Up to 75% had no cancer diagnostic support services, and up to 50% of the municipalities had no specialist dentists. Most municipalities (49.4%) started treatment after more than 30 days. In the CART analysis, treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both explained the highest TTI in all municipalities, and it was the most relevant for predicting TTI. The final model also included anatomical sites in the oral cavity and oropharynx and the number of computed tomography services per 100,000. There is a need to expand the availability of oncology services and human resources specialized in diagnosing and treating OOC in Brazilian municipalities for a timely TTI of OOC.

EZH2 immunoexpression in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma and clinicopathological features.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the EZH2 protein and describe the clinical and microscopic characteristics of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA). The study included 16 ACC cases and 12 PA. All ACC and PA cases were positive for EZH2 and the ACC samples showed significantly higher EZH2 expression. The clinical and microscopic covariates were described in relation to EZH2 staining in ACC samples. The highest mean values of EZH2 were observed in cases with local metastasis, recurrence, perineural invasion, and predominantly cribriform growth pattern without solid areas. EZH2 is a potential marker of malignancy.

Mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam contact.

The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of mast cell markers toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase and presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam. Nineteen specimens of OLP, OLLC, and healthy oral mucosa were selected. Mononuclear inflammatory cells were analyzed. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using toluidine blue, anti-c-kit and anti-tryptase reagents, and the results were quantified in areas A and B of connective tissue. Mast cells of all OLP and OLLC samples were positive for toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase. The density of toluidine blue+, c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells was higher in tissue with OLP and OLLC compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). No difference was noted in mast cells density between OLP and OLLC (p > 0.05). The density of tryptase+ mast cells was higher in the subepithelial region (area A) than the region below it (Area B) in OLLC (p = 0.047). The mononuclear inflammatory cell density was higher in OLLC compared to OLP, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). A positive statistical correlation was found between mononuclear immune cells and density of c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells in OLP (r = 0.943 and r = 0.886, respectively). Our data demonstrate that the etiopathogenesis process of OLP and OLLC modulates the expansion and degranulation of mast cells; mast cells density, however, was similar between OLP and OLLC. The distribution of mast cells appears to vary along the lamina propria.

Subgemmal neurogenous plaque: a series of six cases and a literature overview.

The study aims to describe six subgemmal neurogenous plaque (SNP) cases and compile the previously available data on SNP. Searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and a two-step study selection were performed to compile data from case reports/series of SNP published in English literature. Our six patients (range 29-63 years) had SNP in the posterior lateral border of the tongue. Four of them were associated with lymphoepithelial cysts. A total of 15 studies, comprising 116 patients, were included in this overview. There was a slight predilection for female patients (56.0%) in the 5th (22.4%) and the 7th (23.9%) decades. The lateral border of the tongue (66.4%) was the most common anatomical location. The major manifestation was nodule/papule. Histologically, the presence of taste buds (n = 40/ 34.5%), superficial neural plexus (n = 32/ 27.6%), deep nerve fascicles (n = 32/ 27.6%), ganglion cells (n = 41/ 35.3%), and lymphoid tissue (n = 22/ 19.0%) was mainly reported. Surgical removal was the primary approach, with a low recurrence rate. Although largely unknown, SNP is a regular and likely frequent structure located in the tongue. The findings emphasize the importance of describing clinicopathological patterns of SNP as a differential diagnosis of neural lesions that affect the tongue.

EZH2 immunoexpression in pleomorphic adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma and clinicopathological features

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of the EZH2 protein and describe the clinical and microscopic characteristics of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) and pleomorphic adenoma (PA). The study included 16 ACC cases and 12 PA. All ACC and PA cases were positive for EZH2 and the ACC samples showed significantly higher EZH2 expression. The clinical and microscopic covariates were described in relation to EZH2 staining in ACC samples. The highest mean values of EZH2 were observed in cases with local metastasis, recurrence, perineural invasion, and predominantly cribriform growth pattern without solid areas. EZH2 is a potential marker of malignancy.

Mast cells in oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam contact

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of mast cell markers toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase and presence of mononuclear inflammatory cells in oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral lichenoid lesions related to dental amalgam. Nineteen specimens of OLP, OLLC, and healthy oral mucosa were selected. Mononuclear inflammatory cells were analyzed. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using toluidine blue, anti-c-kit and anti-tryptase reagents, and the results were quantified in areas A and B of connective tissue. Mast cells of all OLP and OLLC samples were positive for toluidine blue, c-kit, and tryptase. The density of toluidine blue+, c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells was higher in tissue with OLP and OLLC compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). No difference was noted in mast cells density between OLP and OLLC (p > 0.05). The density of tryptase+ mast cells was higher in the subepithelial region (area A) than the region below it (Area B) in OLLC (p = 0.047). The mononuclear inflammatory cell density was higher in OLLC compared to OLP, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). A positive statistical correlation was found between mononuclear immune cells and density of c-kit+ and tryptase+ mast cells in OLP (r = 0.943 and r = 0.886, respectively). Our data demonstrate that the etiopathogenesis process of OLP and OLLC modulates the expansion and degranulation of mast cells; mast cells density, however, was similar between OLP and OLLC. The distribution of mast cells appears to vary along the lamina propria.

Oral manifestations of amyloidosis and the diagnostic applicability of oral tissue biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Amyloidosis exhibits a variable spectrum of systemic signs and oral manifestations that can be difficult to diagnose. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, demographic, and microscopic features of amyloidosis in the oral cavity. METHODS: This collaborative study involved three Brazilian oral pathology centers and described cases with a confirmed diagnosis of amyloidosis on available oral tissue biopsies. Clinical data were obtained from medical records. H&E, Congo-red, and immunohistochemically stained slides were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-six oral biopsies from 23 individuals (65.2% males; mean age: 59.6 years) were included. Oral involvement was the first sign of the disease in 67.0% of cases. Two patients had no clinical manifestation in the oral mucosa, although the histological analysis confirmed amyloid deposition. Amyloid deposits were distributed in perivascular (88.0%), periacinar and periductal (80.0%), perineurial (80.0%), endoneurial (33.3%), perimuscular (88.2%), intramuscular (94.1%), and subepithelial (35.3%) sites as well as around fat cells (100.0%). Mild/moderate inflammation was found in 65.4% of cases and 23.1% had giant cells. CONCLUSIONS: Amyloid deposits were consistently found in oral tissues, exhibiting distinct deposition patterns. Oral biopsy is less invasive than internal organ biopsy and enables the reliable identification of amyloid deposits even in the absence of oral manifestations. These findings corroborate the relevance of oral biopsy for the diagnosis of amyloidosis.

ALDH1 immunoexpression in epithelial and stromal cells of oral lichen planus and lesions with lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate

Background: Oral Lichen Planus is a potential malignant disorder and shares clinical and histopathological features with other similar lesions. ALDH1 is a specific biomarker for stem cells identification, however its role in stromal cells of immune inflammatory infiltrate has not been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the ALDH1 immunoexpression in epithelial and stromal cells of Oral Lichen Planus and other lesions with lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate. Material and Methods: 64 samples of Oral Lichen Planus, Oral Lichenoid Lesions, Oral Leukoplakia and Unspecific Chronic Inflammation were included. ALDH1 was evaluated in both epithelium and stromal cells. ALDH1+ cells ≥ 5% were considered positive in epithelium. Stromal cells were evaluated semi quantitatively. Fields were ranked in scores, according to criteria: 1 (0 to 10%); 2 (11 to 50%) and 3 (>50%). The mean value of the sum of the fields was the final score. Statistical differences among groups were investigated, considering p < 0.05. Results: ALDH1 expression in epithelium was low in all groups without difference among them. ALDH1+ cells in the lamina propria were higher for Lichen Planus [2.0], followed by Leukoplakia [1.3], Lichenoid lesions [1.2] and control [1.1] (p<0.05). Conclusions: ALDH1 immunoexpression in epithelium of lichenoid potential malignant disorders did not show a contributory tool, however ALDH1 in stromal cells of lichen planus might be involved in the complex process of immune regulation associated with the pathogenesis of this disease. (AU)

Evaluation of remote teaching in master programs in the Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Brazilian multicentric study

Background: With the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a need to adopt online teaching methods in a generalized and sudden way, a situation that led to unprecedented changes in the routine of post-graduate students and research development. This study aimed to analyze the evaluation of remote teaching by graduates of master's degrees and advisors in master's programs in the Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine who needed to adapt to a remote teaching methodology in the pandemic. Material and Methods: This quantitative study evaluated the remote teaching in the perception of master's graduates and advisors from postgraduate programs in Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine. Data were collected through an online Google forms® questionnaire. Results: Participated in the study 14 master graduates and 14 master's advisors. Master graduates evaluated that the professors had a good performance (p=0.001), that the duration of the classes was adequate (p=0.015), that the interaction with professors was satisfactory (p=0.007), that they had good interaction with the advisor (p=0.001), that they were satisfied with the remote guidance process (p=0.038) and that face-to-face practical activities were missed (p=0.002). Master's advisors reported satisfaction with remote teaching, good adaptation (p=0.018) and motivation for remote teaching (p=0.016), they evaluated that students were cooperative in activities (p=0.019) and that face-to-face practical activities were missed (p=0.002). Conclusions: Despite the difficulties, remote teaching proved to be an effective alternative to face-to-face teaching. (AU)

Scales to graduate oral mucositis: What are the limitations?

Oral mucositis is a common acute complication of a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment. Multiple scales can be used to diagnose and grade this lesion, but they all have some limitation regarding this group of patients. Most of these issues are associated with the hardness to differentiate signs and symptoms from oral mucositis vs. the inherent neoplasm. This study highlights the importance of a specifically developed scale for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy for the treatment of oral mucositis-A comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the treatment of oral mucositis. BACKGROUND: Oral Mucositis is a frequent complication of oral cavity and oropharynx cancer. Considering the OM aggravation by microorganisms contamination, disinfection provide by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy could be an effective approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This comparative study included fourteen patients undergoing radiochemotherapy for oral cavity and oropharynx cancer treatment, who developed oral mucositis. CONTROL GROUP: photobiomodulation. Intervention group: photobiomodulation and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. The lesion size, duration, pain, and identification of microorganisms were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean reduction in oral mucositis size in the intervention group was 0.70 cm² (±0.35) and 0.30 cm² (±1.10) for the control group. The mean duration of oral mucositis was 18.37 days (±12.12) for the intervention group and 23 days (±14.78) for the control group. The intervention group had a mean reduction of 3.40 points on the pain scale (±2.44), while the control group had 0.17 (±2.28). In the intervention group, the predominant isolated microbiota was featured as mixed culture (n = 4/ 50%), followed of Gram Positive (n = 3/ 37.50%), and Gram Negative (n = 1/ 12.55%). In the control group, mixed culture was also more frequent (n = 4 / 66%), followed by Gram Positive (n = 2 /34%). Gram Negative was not predominantly isolated in the control group. CONCLUSION: No statistical significance was found between PBM-T alone and PBM-T + PDT. However, the better outcomes reached by PBM-T + PDT group would suggest there could be a role for combined treatment in the management of OM lesions.

Immunoexpression of Autophagy-Related Proteins in Salivary Gland Tumors: An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Autophagy is a cellular survival mechanism involved in several human diseases, but its participation in the development of salivary gland tumors is not fully understood. This study investigated the immunoexpression of autophagy-related proteins (autophagy-related 7 [Atg7], microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3A [LC3A], microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B [LC3B], protein p62 [p62], and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin [p-mTOR]) in pleomorphic adenoma (PA), polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of salivary glands. METHODS: Twenty PAs, 20 PACs, 20 MECs, and 14 ACCs were selected. The percentages of cytoplasmic and nuclear positivity for autophagy-related proteins in neoplastic cells were assessed and correlated with histopathological parameters. RESULTS: Cytoplasmic immunoexpression of Atg7 was observed in all groups, with high median percentages of positivity. Regarding LC3A and LC3B, cytoplasmic immunoexpression was found in most PACs (95%) and in all cases of PA, MEC and ACC, with the highest percentages of positivity in PACs and PAs (p < 0.005). ACCs exhibited lower cytoplasmic immunoexpression of p-mTOR (p < 0.005) and lower nuclear expression of p62 (p < 0.05) when compared to PAs, PACs and MECs. Low nuclear immunoexpression of Atg7, LC3A and p-mTOR and absence of nuclear staining for LC3B were observed in all groups. Regarding histopathological parameters of PAs, MECs and ACCs, there were no significant differences in the expression of autophagy-related proteins. In all groups, positive correlations were observed between the immunoexpression of some autophagy-related proteins (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the participation of autophagy in the pathogenesis of PA, PAC, MEC, and ACC of salivary glands. Upregulation of autophagy and reduced nuclear translocation of p62 may contribute to the aggressive biological behavior of salivary gland ACC.

Effects of tobacco on the DNA of smokers and non-smokers affected by OSCC: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Scientific evidence about genetic and molecular changes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) among smokers and non-smokers is inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effects of tobacco on the DNA of individuals with OSCC based on protein mutations. Electronic searches were conducted on PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify observational studies published up to January/2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used for the critical appraisal of studies. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated. Twenty-three studies assessing 4,060 individuals (2,967 smokers vs. 1,093 non-smokers) were included in this review. Fifteen groups of proteins/genes were investigated. Analysis of the quality of articles revealed low risk of bias in most studies. The certainty of the evidence was very low. The meta-analysis confirmed no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers with respect to damage to GSTM1 (OR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.30-1.18), GSTT1 (OR: 1.18; 95%CI:0.49-2.83), hydrolase proteins (Ku70 and Ku80) (OR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.18-3.05), and transferase proteins (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTM3) (OR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.47-1.18). Most of the studies included showed that smokers are more likely to exhibit genetic instability. However, the meta-analysis revealed that smokers do not necessarily have more genetic alterations in the DNA than non-smokers.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the oral cavity in children aged 0-2 years: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to collect, synthesize, and analyze the clinic-demographic data of rhabdomyosarcoma affecting the oral cavity of young children. METHODS: The clinical question was "What are the clinical characteristics of oral rhabdomyosarcoma in children aged zero to two years?" Two independent reviewers selected the studies, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality through the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist. Descriptive statistics were performed in SPSS. (protocol: osf.io/b9hvy). RESULTS: Thirty case reports with 41 patients were included (22 males; mean age at diagnosis: 15 months). All studies had some methodological limitations, mainly due to the lack of clarity for a final judgment. More than 70% of the cases affected the tongue or lips. Tumors had a fast growth (mean 2.5 months), usually with red coloration, and variable shape and consistency. Embryonal (63.41%) and alveolar (29.27%) were the most common histological subtypes. Treatment was quite variable but usually included surgery. Most patients (53.66%) were alive without disease at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Oral rhabdomyosarcoma is rare in children aged 0-2 years without a marked gender predilection. The tumor presents as a fast and infiltrative growth leading to local and/or systemic symptoms, and a favorable prognosis for most patients.

Clinical and demographic features of minor salivary gland tumors: A collaborative study of 480 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency, clinical, and demographic features of minor salivary gland tumors and possible associated factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Clinical and demographic data were collected from biopsy records of two oral pathology services. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and descriptive statistical analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 480 (0.89%) minor salivary gland tumors were retrieved, 272 (56.7%) benign and 147 (30.7%) malignant. Sixty-one (12.6%) had no subtype specification. Most patients were women (307/64.0%), in sixth decade of life (80/16.7%), with a mean age of 45.32 years. Palate was the most common site (336/70.1%). Pleomorphic adenoma (PA; 245/51.1%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC; 70/14.6%), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC; 43/8.9%) were the most frequent tumors. Symptomatic case, recurrence, and tobacco use were associated with malignancy (p < 0.05). PA and MEC were more frequent in palate (p < 0.05). No association between the three most frequent histological types and gender or age group was observed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This represents one of the largest exclusive series of minor salivary gland tumors in Brazil and worldwide. PA, MEC, and ACC were the most frequent tumors. Clinical and demographic data are similar from Brazilian studies or from other countries.

Effects of tobacco on the DNA of smokers and non-smokers affected by OSCC: systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Scientific evidence about genetic and molecular changes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) among smokers and non-smokers is inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effects of tobacco on the DNA of individuals with OSCC based on protein mutations. Electronic searches were conducted on PubMed, Ovid, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify observational studies published up to January/2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used for the critical appraisal of studies. The certainty of the evidence was evaluated. Twenty-three studies assessing 4,060 individuals (2,967 smokers vs. 1,093 non-smokers) were included in this review. Fifteen groups of proteins/genes were investigated. Analysis of the quality of articles revealed low risk of bias in most studies. The certainty of the evidence was very low. The meta-analysis confirmed no significant difference between smokers and non-smokers with respect to damage to GSTM1 (OR: 0.60; 95%CI: 0.30-1.18), GSTT1 (OR: 1.18; 95%CI:0.49-2.83), hydrolase proteins (Ku70 and Ku80) (OR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.18-3.05), and transferase proteins (GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTM3) (OR: 0.74; 95%CI: 0.47-1.18). Most of the studies included showed that smokers are more likely to exhibit genetic instability. However, the meta-analysis revealed that smokers do not necessarily have more genetic alterations in the DNA than non-smokers.