Traversing the Terrain: Potential Pitfalls within the AJCC 8th Edition Staging System for Lip and Oral Cavity Cancers.

In 1977, the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) introduced the inaugural Cancer Staging Manual, which implemented the T (tumor extent), N (regional lymph node status), and M (presence or absence of distant metastasis) staging system. This systematic approach aimed to convey the extent of disease across various cancer types, providing clinicians with a practical framework to plan treatment strategies, predict prognosis, and assess outcomes. The AJCC 8th edition, effective from January 1, 2018, continues this tradition. However, certain shortcomings persist in the AJCC 8th edition, as identified through clinical experience. Specifically, challenges arise in accurately assessing depth of invasion in unique histological variants of oral squamous cell carcinoma (e.g., Oral verrucous carcinoma, Carcinoma cuniculatum, and Papillary squamous cell carcinoma) and minor salivary gland tumors. Additionally, discrepancies exist in the perception of bone invasion patterns and in reporting practices. There is also a need for staging guidelines for malignant odontogenic tumors and multifocal tumors of the oral cavity, supplemented by diagrammatic representations. Lastly, there is a call for comprehensive staging criteria for carcinomas of the ear, external auditory canal, and temporal bone. We advocate for the inclusion of these considerations in future editions of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual.

Fibrolipoma of the lower lip: A case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Fibrolipoma of the lower lip is an uncommon condition with limited documentation in the literature. This paper provides updated insights into oral and maxillofacial lipomas through a detailed case report and comprehensive literature review, discussing clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, histopathology, and therapeutic strategies. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old female presented with a painless, enlarging mass on the inner aspect of her right lower lip, first noticed 2 years prior. The mass, now the size of a peanut, interfered with her eating and speech. Physical examination revealed a 2.0 × 2.5 × 1.0 cm mass beneath the mucous membrane of the right lower lip. It was firm, well-demarcated, and mobile. Surgical excision was performed, and histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a lower lip fibrolipoma. The lesion was successfully removed without recurrence. CONCLUSION: Lipomas in the oral and maxillofacial regions are rare, slow-growing benign tumors, particularly within the lips. Although their diagnosis is straightforward based on clinical presentation, histopathological confirmation is essential. Surgical resection remains the treatment of choice, with excellent prognostic outcomes.

An Evaluation of High-Risk HPV in Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Lip in a South African Cohort.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of HR-HPV in a series of lip SCC from South African patients, using currently accepted HPV-testing methodologies and to define the clinical and histomorphologic features of HPV-associated lip SCC. METHODS: Fifty SCC of lip and 50 control cases were tested for HR-HPV using p16 and HR-HPV DNA PCR. p16-equivocal/positive and HPV DNA PCR-positive SCC were further evaluated for the expression of HPV-16 and HPV-18 mRNA transcripts using reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to confirm transcriptionally active HPV. RESULTS: p16 was positive in 22% (n = 11) and equivocal in 4% (n = 2) of the SCC. One p16-positive case showed positivity for both HPV-16 DNA and HPV-16 E6/E7 mRNA transcripts (HPV prevalence rate of 2%). The HPV-positive case was non-keratinizing and occurred in an 80-year-old female. The two p16-equivocal cases were HR-HPV DNA positive and mRNA PCR negative. p16 was found to have a positive predictive value of 9%. CONCLUSION: Findings from our cohort of lip SCC suggest that HR-HPV may have an insignificant role in the pathogenesis of SCC at this site. Due to its low ppv, p16 is insufficient to establish HR-HPV infection in SCC of the lip. The combination of p16 and DNA PCR appears to correlate with the presence of transcriptionally active virus. HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection is the gold standard for identifying HR-HPV. mRNA testing is not widely available in sub-Saharan Africa due to technical and financial constraints; however, the test appears to be of great value in p16-equivocal lip SCC.

Assessment of the association of myofibroblasts and structural components of the extracellular matrix with histopathological parameters of actinic cheilitis and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the presence of myofibroblasts (MFs) in the development of lip carcinogenesis, through the correlation of clinical, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical parameters, in actinic cheilitis (ACs) and lower lip squamous cell carcinomas (LLSCCs). METHODS: Samples of ACs, LLSCCs, and control group (CG) were prepared by tissue microarray (TMA) for immunohistochemical TGF-ß, α-SMA, and Ki-67 and histochemical hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red, and verhoeff van gieson reactions. Clinical and microscopic data were associated using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, and Spearman correlation tests (SPSS, p < 0.05). RESULTS: ACs showed higher number of α-SMA+ MFs when compared to CG (p = 0.034), and these cells were associated with the vertical expansion of solar elastosis (SE) itself (p = 0.027). Areas of SE had lower deposits of collagen (p < 0.001), immunostaining for TGF-ß (p < 0.001), and higher density of elastic fibers (p < 0.05) when compared to areas without SE. A positive correlation was observed between high-risk epithelial dysplasia (ED) and the proximity of SE to the dysplastic epithelium (p = 0.027). LLSCCs showed a higher number of α-SMA+ MFs about CG (p = 0.034), as well as a reduction in the deposition of total collagen (p = 0.009) in relation to ACs and CG. There was also a negative correlation between the amount of α-SMA+ cells and the accumulation of total collagen (p = 0.041). Collagen and elastic density loss was higher in larger tumors (p = 0.045) with nodal invasion (p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show the possible role of MFs, collagen fibers, and elastosis areas in the lip carcinogenesis process.

Reconstruction of Squamous Cell Carcinoma on Oral Commissure With Hatchet-Shaped Flap.

The mouth is a unique and prominent element of the lower face. Given the complex anatomy, aesthetic appearance, and function of the oral commissure, its reconstruction due to various causes presents a significant challenge for surgeons. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip is the most common type of oral cancer, accounting for approximately 25% to 30% of all oral cancers. Wide excision is the treatment of choice, and the prognosis is generally favorable. We encountered a case of SCC of the right oral commissure in a 69-year-old man. We designed a hatchet-shaped flap to minimize anatomical disruption and, as a result, achieved satisfactory outcomes in terms of both functionality and aesthetics.

Functional and esthetic reconstruction of composite lower lip defects with a motor-innervated chimeric facial artery buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the functional and esthetic outcomes of a chimeric innervated buccinator myomucosal-submental island flap (BMM-SIF) for large composite lower lip reconstruction. METHODS: This retrospective study included five patients who underwent lower lip tumor resection and BMM-SIF reconstruction at the Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, between August 2021 and February 2023. Lip function was evaluated using water leakage, cheek puffing tests, and superficial electromyography. Lip appearance was observed using photographs and evaluated through subjective interviews. Donor-site conditions, including facial symmetry and mouth opening, were monitored. RESULTS: All the BMM-SIFs survived. Drooling was the main complication observed shortly after surgery. The water leakage test showed complete oral competence for liquid holding in the 7th month; however, moderate air leakage was present in two patients. Electromyography revealed myoelectric signals from the innervated buccinator at the recipient site. Facial expression and food intake were typically managed. The shape and projection of the vermilion were harmonious and satisfactory for each patient. Neither microstomia nor mouth opening limitation was observed, with an average inter-incisor distance of 37.25±4.4 mm. CONCLUSION: Chimeric motor-innervated BMM-SIF effectively reconstructed large full-thickness lower-lip defects with satisfactory functional and esthetic outcomes.

Case of eccrine chondroid syringoma of the upper lip.

Chondroid syringoma (CS) is a benign, slow-growing mixed tumour that arises from the sweat glands and usually presents in the head and neck area. Histopathological examination is important for proper diagnosis, as CS is often confused with epidermal cysts due to its rare presentation. This article presents a man in his 40s with a right upper lip mass that emerged 6 months prior to presentation. An intraoral surgical excision was performed and the histopathological analysis revealed solid epithelial cells that formed multiple, non-branching ducts lined by cuboidal epithelium. Cystic spaces were filled by heterogeneous eosinophilic material embedded in chondromyxoid stroma. Histopathology identified the lesion as an eccrine-variant CS. The patient recovered well.

Relationship between tumor thickness and GATA3 immunoexpression in lip and tongue squamous cell carcinomas.

PURPOSE: Lower lip squamous cell carcinomas (LLSCCs) exhibit lower levels of aggressiveness, low relations with metastases and better prognosis when compared with intraoral squamous cell carcinomas. Differently from the oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (OTSCCs) have a high tendency towards local invasion and lymph nodal dissemination. Our aim was to evaluate tumor thickness in cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma and correlate it with histological grade of malignancy and GATA3 immunoreactivity. METHODS: Sixty specimens (30 LLSCCs and 30 OTSCCs) were scanned and digitized for the subsequent measurement of tumor thickness, histopathological examination, and quantitative analysis of GATA3 in the parenchyma and stroma of the tumors. RESULTS: Tumor thickness was lower in LLSCC compared to OTSCCs. Immunohistochemical analysis of GATA3 in parenchyma, stroma and both compartments showed higher immunoreactivity in LLSCCs compared to OTSCCs. We observed a negative correlation between tumor thickness and GATA3 expression in parenchyma, stroma, and both compartments. Our results revealed the presence of GATA3 in all cases both in the parenchyma and in the stroma. Higher expression was more related to LLSCCs, which are known to be less aggressive tumors than OTSCCs. CONCLUSIONS: A greater tumor thickness was found in OTSCCs, which was correlated with lower expression of GATA3, suggesting that this protein is involved in the inhibition of proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacity.

Squamous cell carcinoma of lip: Clinical feature analysis and suggestion of reconstruction algorithm.

Reconstruction of lips after squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) removal should restore functional and aesthetic roles; however, it remains a challenge. In this study we describe the clinical features of lip SCC and suggest a reconstruction algorithm. We retrospectively analyzed 34 patients with lip SCC who underwent reconstruction after Mohs micrographic surgery between January 2006 and March 2022. The mean age of the patients was 70.2 years. Seven tumors were on the upper lip and 27 tumors were on the lower lip. Twenty-five defects were located on the mucosal lip, eight defects involved both the mucosal and cutaneous lips, and one defect was confined to the cutaneous lip. Eighteen defects were smaller than 50% of the total lip size, and 16 were larger than 50%. Primary closure was mostly performed for defects smaller than 50% of the lip size (9/18 cases), and local flap, according to the location and size of the defects, was performed for larger defects. Thirteen patients experienced postoperative complications but improved within 1 year after surgery, except for one patient. We suggest a reconstruction algorithm with a 50% cut-off value. Defects smaller than 50% of the lip size could be reconstructed by primary closure. Even larger defects could be reconstructed by creation of a local flap from the remaining adjacent tissue with minimal postoperative complications.

Unresectable infantile myofibroma discovered in utero.

The authors present a case of a proliferative nodule located beneath an infant's lower lip that was initially discovered on prenatal ultrasound and fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Biopsy revealed a smooth muscle actin-positive spindled cell proliferation with hemangiopericytoma-like vessels consistent with infantile myofibromatosis (IM). Since the location prevented surgical management, the clinicians opted to observe the lesion. Ultimately, the lesion fully regressed on its own confirming conservative management is an option for isolated IM.

Clinical and pathological correlation of P53 expression in oral cancers.

In our study, we aimed to evaluate the overexpression of P53 in 155 oral squamous cell carcinomas and to correlate with various clinicopathological features like depth of invasion, lymph nodal involvement, and margin status, which affect the local recurrence and prognosis. This cross-sectional study included 155 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients who underwent surgical resection of primary and nodal disease. The histopathological and clinical features were noted. Immunohistochemical expression was reported, and other clinicopathological features were correlated. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. In the present study, out of 155 patients, 127(81.9%) are males, and the majority are more than 50 years (55%). The most common site of oral carcinoma is the tongue, followed by buccal mucosa. An aberrant or mutational type of P53 was seen in 90 cases (58%), while the wild type was observed in 65 patients (42%). Expression of P53 is not similar in different sites of the oral cavity but is more frequently seen in the Gingiva, followed by retromolar trigone, lip, buccal mucosa, and tongue. There is a significant association between P53 expression and degree of tumor differentiation, T staging, and depth of invasion, involved margin, node positivity, and extranodal extension.

Possible role of ALDH1 and CD44 in lip carcinogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) accounts for 12% of all head and neck cancers. It is caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet light solar radiation and related to previous actinic cheilitis (AC). This study aimed to investigate the immunostaining of the putative cancer stem cells (CSC) markers ALDH1 and CD44 in AC (n=30) and LSCC (n=20). ALDH1 positivity was found to be statistically higher in LSCC than in AC lesions (p=0.0045), whilst CD44 expression was statistically higher in AC than in LSCC lesions (p=0.0155). ALDH1+ cells in AC lesions were associated with specific clinical features: a younger age (<60 years old), the female gender, white skin, not smoking or consuming alcohol, and a fast evolution, and not associated with the chronic exposure to UV radiation (p<0.0001). CD44 positivity was associated with patients who were male, feoderm, smoked, consumed alcohol, underwent occupational exposure to UV-radiation, and demonstrated lesions with log-time evolution (p<0.0001). ALDH1 + cells were associated with mild dysplasia using a system from the World Health Organization (WHO), and with a low risk of malignant transformation, according to the binary system (p<0.0001). CD44+ cells were also associated with moderated dysplasia, according to the WHO system. In LSCC, ALDH1 + cells were positively associated with patients who were older (≥ 60 years old), smokers, and with those who consumed alcohol (p<0.0001). CD44 + cells in LSCC were associated with older (≥ 60 years old) patients as well, but also with female patients, white skin, non-smokers, and individuals who did not consume alcohol (p<0.0001), all of whom showed distinct patterns in pre- and malignant lesions of both markers. Additionally, in LSCC, both ALDH1 and CD44 staining were associated with smaller tumor sizes (T1/T2; p<0.0001). In summary, although both ALDH1 and CD44 were associated with the presence of dysplasia in AC lesions, the present findings suggest that ALDH1 and CD44 may be activated by different etiopathogenic pathways, predominantly in distinct steps of oral carcinogenesis. CD44 would thus be more significantly related to the potentially malignant lesion, while ALDH1 would be closely linked to malignancy.

Imunoexpressão das proteínas E-caderina, α-SMA, TGF-ß e Snail em queilites actínicas e carcinoma epidermoide de lábio inferior / Immunoexpression of E-cadherin, α-SMA, TGF-ß and Snail proteins in actinic cheilitis and squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip

A transição epitélio-mesenquimal (TEM) é um processo biológico que vem sendo amplamente estudado em carcinoma epidermoide oral (CEO), porém, ainda raramente avaliado na carcinogênese labial. O objetivo deste estudo foi de investigar a imunoexpressão das proteínas E-caderina, α-SMA, TGF-ß e Snail em queilites actínicas (QA) diagnosticadas histopatologicamente como displasias epiteliais, e em carcinomas epidermoides de lábio inferior (CELI). A imunoexpressão de E-caderina, α-SMA, TGF-ß e Snail foi analisada de forma semiquantitativa em 54 casos de QAs e em 49 CELIs. Visando a associação dos achados imunoistoquímicos com as variáveis clinicopatológicas e taxas de sobrevida global (SG) e livre de doença (SLD), os casos foram classificados nas categorias baixa expressão e alta expressão. Não foram observadas associações estatisticamente significativas com nenhuma das proteínas analisadas com o grau de severidade das displasias epiteliais em QAs (p > 0,05). A análise imunoistoquímica em CELIs revelou que uma baixa expressão membranar da E-caderina no front tumoral estava significativamente associada a CELIs com ≥5 buds (p = 0,005) e alto escore tanto para o modelo BD (p = 0,009), quando para o proposto por Dourado et al. (2020) (p = 0,038), entretanto, não foram observadas associações significativas entre a imunoexpressão desta proteína com parâmetros clínicos (p > 0,05). Constatou-se ainda associações significativas entre baixa expressão de α-SMA com CELIs em estágios clínicos TNM I/II (p = 0,05), baixa profundidade de invasão (p = 0,006), < 5 buds (p = 0,027) e escore de risco baixo/intermediário, ao passo que a alta expressão desta proteína foi associada com o desfecho óbito (p = 0,009). Também foram encontradas associações significativas entre o padrão de imunomarcação em rede/em fuso de α-SMA com CELIs em estágios TNM III/IV (p = 0,031), com alta profundidade de invasão (p = 0,002), ≥5 buds (p = 0,027), alto escore de risco BD (p = 0,001) e desfecho óbito (p = 0,015). Em relação à proteína TGF-ß, percebeu-se associações estatisticamente significativas entre sua baixa expressão em buds tumorais com ausências de metástase linfonodal (p = 0,047) e de recidiva locorregional (p = 0,042), contudo, não foram observadas significâncias com nenhum dos parâmetros morfológicos (p > 0,05). A análise imunoistoquímica da proteína Snail não revelou nenhuma associação significativa com os parâmetros clinicopatológicos (p > 0,05). A análise de associação das imunoexpressões das proteínas entre as lesões estudadas revelou resultados significativos para uma alta expressão citoplasmática da E-caderina e CELIs (p = 0,001), alta expressão de α-SMA e CELIs (p < 0,001), baixa expressão de TGF-ß e CELIs (p < 0,001) e alta expressão de Snail e QAs (p = 0,006). A análise de sobrevida revelou que uma alta expressão de α-SMA no estroma do front tumoral (p = 0,013), padrão de imunomarcação em rede desta proteína (p = 0,046) e alta expressão de TGF-ß em buds tumorais (p = 0,043) estavam significativamente associadas à pior SG, além de que CELIs com alta expressão de α-SMA também apresentavam maior risco de óbito (HR = 5,90, p = 0,030). Uma alta expressão citoplasmática de TGF-ß em buds tumorais estava significativamente associada tanto à pior SLD (p = 0,007), quanto a maiores riscos de desfechos negativos para a SLD (HR = 4,44; p = 0,014). Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que apesar da imunoexpressão das proteínas avaliadas não indicarem diferenças no grau de severidade histopatológica em QAs, desregulações dessas proteínas foram identificadas entre as lesões estudadas. Ademais, foi constatado que CELI com comportamento mais agressivo estava associado a baixa expressão da E-caderina membranar, alta expressão de αSMA e seu padrão em rede e baixa expressão de TGF-ß em buds tumorais (AU).

Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that has been widely studied in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), however, it is still rarely evaluated in lip carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunoexpression of E-cadherin, α-SMA, TGF-ß and Snail proteins in actinic cheilitis (AC) histopathologically diagnosed as epithelial dysplasia, and in lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (LLSCC). The immunoexpression of E-cadherin, α-SMA, TGF-ß and Snail was semiquantitatively analyzed in 54 cases of ACs and 49 LLSCCs. Aiming at association of immunohistochemical findings with clinicopathological variables and overall (OS) and disease-free (DFS) survival rates, cases were classified into low expression and high expression categories. There were no statistically significant associations with any of the proteins analyzed with the degree of severity of epithelial dysplasia in ACs (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis in LLSCCs revealed that low membrane expression of E-cadherin in tumor front was significantly associated with LLSCCs with ≥5 buds (p = 0.005) and high score for both BD model (p = 0.009) and the proposed model by Dourado et al. (2020) (p = 0.038), however, no significant associations were observed between immunoexpression of this protein and clinical parameters (p > 0.05). Significant associations were also found between low expression of α-SMA with LLSCCs in clinical stages TNM I/II (p = 0.05), low depth of invasion (p = 0.006), < 5 buds (p = 0.027) and score of low/intermediate risk, while high expression of this protein was associated with the outcome of death (p = 0.009). Significant associations were also found between α-SMA network/spindle immunostaining pattern with LLSCCs in TNM stages III/IV (p = 0.031), with high depth of invasion (p = 0.002), ≥5 buds (p = 0.027), high BD risk score (p = 0.001) and death outcome (p = 0.015). Regarding the TGF-ß protein, statistically significant associations were noticed between its low expression in tumor buds with absence of lymph node metastasis (p = 0.047) and locoregional recurrence (p = 0.042), however, no significance was observed with any of morphological parameters (p > 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis of Snail protein did not reveal any significant association with clinicopathological parameters (p > 0.05). The association analysis of protein immunoexpression between the lesions studied revealed significant results for a high cytoplasmic expression of E-cadherin and LLSCCs (p = 0.001), high expression of α-SMA and LLSCCs (p < 0.001), low expression of TGF -ß and LLSCCs (p < 0.001) and high expression of Snail and ACs (p = 0.006). Survival analysis revealed a high expression of α-SMA in tumor front stroma (p = 0.013), a network immunostaining pattern of this protein (p = 0.046) and high expression of TGF-ß in tumor buds (p = 0.043) were significantly associated with worse OS, and LLSCCs with high expression of α-SMA also had a higher risk of death (HR = 5.90, p = 0.030). High cytoplasmic expression of TGF-ß in tumor buds was significantly associated with both worse DFS (p = 0.007) and higher risks of negative outcomes for DFS (HR = 4.44; p = 0.014). The results of present study suggest that although the immunoexpression of evaluated proteins does not indicate differences in degree of histopathological severity in ACs, dysregulations of these proteins were identified among the lesions studied. Furthermore, it was found that LLSCC with more aggressive behavior was associated with low expression of membrane E-cadherin, high expression of α-SMA and its network pattern, and low expression of TGF-ß in tumor buds (AU).

Tumors of the labial mucosa: a retrospective study of 1045 biopsies

BACKGROUND: To investigate the relative frequency of localized mucosal swellings of the upper and lower labial mucosa, the clinical-pathological diagnosis agreement and whether patient's age and gender and tumor's site and size may raise the suspicion of neoplasm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed on upper or lower labial mucosal tumors, histopathologically diagnosed between 2009-2018. The diagnostic categories developmental/reactive tumors, benign and malignant neoplasms were associated with patient's age and gender and tumor's site and size; clinical-pathological diagnosis agreement was, also, evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 1000 (95.7%) developmental/reactive tumors, 35 (3.3%) benign and 10 (1%) malignant neoplasms were found. Upper/lower lip tumor ratio was 0.14:1. The diagnostic category was significantly associated with age (p < 0.0001), site (p < 0.0001) and diameter (p < 0.0001). Age ≥60 years, tumor's location on the upper lip and diameter >1cm were independent predictors for neoplasms. Patients presenting 2 or 3 of these variables were 20.2 times (p < 0.0001) or 33.6 times (p < 0.0001), respectively, more likely to have a neoplasm. Complete/partial agreement between clinical and pathological diagnosis was seen in 96.3% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Most lip tumors involve the lower lip and are reactive, but upper lip tumors measuring > 1 cm in patients ≥ 60 years have significantly higher probability to be neoplasms

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Can immunohistochemical biomarkers distinguish epithelial dysplasia degrees in actinic cheilitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a potentially malignant disorder of the lip, characterized by epithelial and connective tissue alterations caused by chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation. In the past decades, diverse studies have been conducted in lip carcinogenesis and many biomarkers have been identified in lip lesions, yet there is no scientific evidence that determines its usefulness in the clinical setting or in histopathological routine. Therefore, we conducted the first systematic review in this field to summarize the results of published studies on immunohistochemical biomarkers in lip carcinogenesis, to evaluate if there is a marker than can distinguish the different histological grades of AC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective studies that investigated immunohistochemical biomarkers in AC defined on standardised histological assessment were gathered from five databases and evaluated. Each study was quali-tatively evaluated using the Critical Appraisal Tools from SUMARI. RESULTS: The proliferation marker Ki-67 was the most studied biomarker and we observed, through meta-analysis, that it was differently expressed between AC and lip cancer, but not in AC subgroups. Most articles had a high risk of bias. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the literature lacks quality follow up studies in actinic cheilitis. Multi-centre cohort studies, with patients stratified by treatment type and the use of image analysis software, could be the solution to further address the issues of investigating potentially malignant lesions and help change clinical practice, in terms of individualizing patients' treatment and prognosis prediction

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Estudo da imunoexpressão do reg-gamma e da beta catenina em queilites actínicas e carcinomas de células escamosas de lábio inferior / Study of immunoexpression of reg-gamma and beta-catenin in actinic cheilitis and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma

A queilite actínica (QA) é uma lesão potencialmente maligna que ocorre principalmente em homens leucodermas com histórico de exposição crônica ao sol. Atualmente, não é possível predizer quais os casos de QA progredirão para o Carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE), portanto alguns marcadores biomoleculares têm sido alvo de pesquisas. A ß-catenina é uma proteína multifuncional que está envolvida nos processos de adesão célula-célula. A alteração do complexo caderina-catenina tem sido demonstrada no CCE e correlacionada com a invasão tumoral, metástase e com pior prognóstico dos pacientes. O REGγ é um ativador de proteassoma que pode promover a degradação de múltiplas proteínas incluindo p53 e MDM2. Estudos mostram que o REGγ está superexpresso em numerosos tipos de câncer, sugerindo que a superexpressão do REGγ está envolvida na progressão do câncer. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a expressão imuno- histoquímica da ß-catenina e do REGγ em casos de QA e Carcinoma de células escamosas de lábio inferior (CCELI), comparando os achados imunohistoquímicos com os dados clínicopatológicos, afim de averiguar se há uma correlação com a progressão tumoral e se as mesmas atuam de forma sinérgica nesse processo. A imunoexpressão de ß-catenina e REGγ foi analisada semi-quantativamente em 30 casos de QA e 30 casos de CCELI de acordo com os escores: 0 (sem marcação); 1 (1-25% de células positivas); 2 (26-50% de células positivas); 3 (51-75% de células positivas); 4 (> 75% células positivas). Para a análise estatística, foram realizados os testes de Mann-Whitney e de Spearman (p < 0,05). Tantos as QAs quanto os CCELIs expressaram a proteína ß-catenina, sendo evidenciado um aumento da expressão citoplasmática e nuclear nos casos de Displasias moderadas e severas. Nos CCELIs a imunoexpressão de ß-catenina membranar foi maior nos casos de baixo grau de malignidade. Tantos as QAs quanto os CCELIs expressaram a proteína REG-γ porém não verificamos significância estatística entre a sua expressão e o grau displasia epitelial, bem como, entre a imunoexpressão do REG-γ e os parâmetros clinicopatológicos analisados nos CCELIs. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que a superexpressão de REG-γ e a redução na expressão membranar de ß-catenina podem ser eventos importantes na carcinogênese labial. No entanto, acreditamos que esta proteína esteja envolvida no processo da carcinogênese oral. Nesse processo, correlacionando a expressão imuno-histoquímica da ß-catenina com a expressão do REG-γ, não resultados estatisticamente significativos, sugerimos então que a expressão de ßcatenina pode não ser influenciada diretamente pelos níveis de expressão de REGγ (AU).

Actinic cheilitis (QA) is a potentially malignant lesion that occurs mainly in men with light skin and a history of chronic sun exposure. Currently, it is not possible to predict which cases of QA will progress to Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), so some biomolecular markers have been researched. Β-catenin is a multifunctional protein that is involved in cell-cell adhesion processes. The alteration of the cadherin-catenin complex has been demonstrated in SCC and correlated with tumor invasion, metastasis and worse prognosis of patients. REGγ is a proteasome activator that can promote the degradation of multiple proteins including p53 and MDM2. Studies show that REGγ is overexpressed in numerous cancers, suggesting that REGγ overexpression is involved in cancer progression. The aim of this study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of ß-catenin and REGγ in cases of QA and lower lip squamous cell carcinoma (CCELI), comparing the immunohistochemical findings with the clinical and pathological data, in order to verify if there is any a correlation with tumor progression and whether they act synergistically in this process. Β-catenin and REGγ immunoexpression was analyzed semi-quantitatively in 30 cases of QA and 30 cases of CCELI according to the scores: 0 (no labeling); 1 (1-25% positive cells); 2 (26-50% positive cells); 3 (51-75% positive cells); 4 (> 75% positive cells). For statistical analysis, Mann-Whitney and Spearman tests were performed (p <0.05). Both QAs and CCELIs expressed the ß-catenin protein, showing an increase in cytoplasmic and nuclear expression in cases of moderate and severe dysplasias. In CCELIs, membrane ß-catenin immunoexpression was higher in cases of low grade malignancy. Both QAs and CCELIs expressed the REG-γ protein but no statistical significance between its expression and the degree of epithelial dysplasia was found, as well as between the immunoexpression of REG-γ and the clinicopathological parameters analyzed in the CCELIs. The results of the present study suggest that REG-γ overexpression and reduction in membrane expression of ß-catenin may be important events in lip carcinogenesis. However, we believe that this protein is involved in the process of oral carcinogenesis. In this process, correlating the immunohistochemical expression of ß-catenin with the expression of REG-γ, as we did not obtain statistically significant results, we suggest that ß-catenin expression may not be directly influenced by the levels of REGγ expression (AU).