Background: Oral cancer is a major public health problem in India. A key factor that has led to lack of improvement in prognosis of oral cancer over the years, is delay in diagnosis and treatment. In many instances, a significant proportion of oral squamous cell carcinomas develop from premalignant lesions and conditions. Identification of such lesions and conditions is very important in order to prevent malignant transformation. The role of fungal infections has been studied and holds promise as an indicator to predict malignant transformation. So we designed a study to analyze the prevalence of fungal hyphae in biopsies of patients with clinically diagnosed cases of premalignant lesions and conditions. Aims and Objectives: To determine and compare the prevalence of fungal hyphae in biopsies of patients with clinically diagnosed cases of potentially malignant lesions and conditions and to assess the possible association between the degree of epithelial dysplasia and presence or absence of fungal hyphae. Materials and Methods: Clinically suspected and histopathologically diagnosed 70 cases of potentially malignant lesions and conditions (29 leukoplakia, 16 submucous fibrosis and 25 lichen planus) made up the study group. Three tissue sections (5mm) of each were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), periodic acid-Schiff's reagent (PAS) and Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS) and evaluated for fungal hyphae. The data collected was statistically analyzed by using Chi-square test and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Results: The estimated prevalence of fungal hyphae in cases with or without dysplasia in leukoplakia was 41.4%, lichen planus 36% and submucous fibrosis 25%. There was a significant association between degree of epithelial dysplasia with presence or absence of fungal hyphae in all the study groups. Conclusion: Presence of fungal hyphae in potentially malignant lesions and conditions may prove to be a useful indicator in predicting malignant transformation.

Introduction: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is seen worldwide but is more common in India. Lymph node (LN) metastasis has been shown to be the strongest prognostic factor in OSCC. Many histopathological and immunohistochemical markers have been studied to predict the LN metastasis. Aims: To identify clinicopathological factors and immunohistochemical (IHC) biomarkers which predict cervical metastasis in OSCC patients. Study and Design: A total of 105 cases of OSCC were taken up for our study. Histopathological parameters such as tumor thickness, depth, degree of differentiation, pattern of invasion (POI), lymphovascular and neural invasion were assessed. IHC was done on all cases using antibodies against Ki-67, cyclin D, E-cadherin, p53, CD31 and each antibody was assessed according to the standard protocol. Statistical Analysis: To calculate the relation between clinical, histopathological parameter, IHC marker and the occurrence of LN metastasis, chi-square test was used. Variables were tested using multivariate logistic regression method to assess the predictive significance. Results: Out of 105 cases studied, 29 cases showed LN metastasis. Maximum numbers of cases affected were females with involvement of buccal mucosa. We found significant association of cervical LN metastasis with high grade of differentiation, lack of E-cadherin expression, high Ki-67 and cyclin D1 expression. In our study; tumor depth, thickness, extent of peritumoral lympho-plasmacytic infiltration, presence of eosinophils, tumor nest type, p53 and microvessel density (MVD) showed no significant correlation. Conclusion: Significant association of cervical LN metastasis with high grade of differentiation, lack of E-cadherin expression, high Ki-67 and cyclin D1 expression was seen.

Background: Dental and medical practitioners encounter wide spectrum of oral lesions in their day-to-day practice. Many of the lesions such as leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), etc., are associated with tobacco and betel nut chewing. Oral leukoplakia, OSF, oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are the most commonly occurring oral diseases associated with characteristic clinical and histological features and are associated with chronic inflammation at some stage of the disease process. Aims: To study and compare the number, morphology and topographical distribution of mast cells in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), OSF and OSCC and to correlate different types of mast cells with the inflammatory infiltrate and vascularity of the lesions. Materials and Methods: Total number of subjects was 120 and equally divided into four groups of 30 as controls, OED, OSF and OSCC cases. Two sections of from each tissue embedded in paraffin wax block were made which were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue stain. Mast cells were counted in five different zones. Results: In the present study, increased numbers of mast cells were seen in all lesions. The cases with mild, moderate and severe inflammation showed increased number of typical (TMCs), atypical (AMCs) and granular mast cells (GMCs), respectively. Conclusion: The result of the present study concludes that the mast cells play a key role in mediating the cross links between external angiogenic agent and local immunologic factors.

Background: Tumor growth depends on angiogenesis which is assessed by measuring the tumor microvessel density (MVD) through CD34 immunostaining. The present study was performed to evaluate the situation of angiogenic activity in salivary gland neoplasms. The possible role of CD34 in progression and invasion of salivary gland tumors is also investigated. Materials and Methods: Tissue specimens of 15 pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and 15 malignant salivary gland tumors including mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC) and salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) were immunostained for CD34 protein. The most vascularized areas at low power magnification (hotspots) were selected for vessel counting at Χ400 magnification. Then, the mean number of microvessels in three fields within the tumor mass was calculated. Results: MVD in PA and malignant salivary gland tumors were 10.93 ΁ 5.95 and 26.46 ΁ 7.32, respectively. Tumor angiogenesis in PA was much lower than other lesions (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between malignant tumors (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Salivary gland carcinomas demonstrated higher vascular density than benign PA despite of cell types and architecture. The reason for this higher angiogenic activity could be related to metabolic characteristics of malignant cells.

Context: Hepatitis B, a viral disease affecting the liver has high morbidity and mortality. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in serum is used to detect presence of active disease and chronic carrier status. The disease is transmitted predominantly through blood and saliva, hence dental professionals are considered a high risk group. Aim: To detect presence of HBsAg in serum of dental professionals. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted in two parts viz., one in the year 1991 on 100 dental professionals in Nagpur using reverse passive hemagglutination and the other in 2012 on 50 dental professionals in Chennai using immunochromatography. Results: Ten percent of dental professionals screened in 1991 and 2% of dental professionals screened in 2012 showed HBsAg positive status and were predominantly periodontists with a history of needle-stick injury. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of Hepatitis B vaccination and periodic evaluation of antibody titer to prevent spread of the disease. Key words: Dental professionals, hepatitis B, hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B vaccination

Background: In today's high strung lifestyle, stress plays a major role on our health. Studies using ultraweak chemiluminescence have been able to demonstrate this effect, of psychological stress on the immune system, using saliva as a psychological stress marker. The impact of psychosocial factors on the oral mucosal lesions of individuals found that stress can contribute to weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. Aim: To study the role of salivary peroxidase (SPOx) in psychologically stressed individuals with and without the presence of aphthous ulcer. Materials and Methods: The study involved evaluating subjects for stress, using Perceived Stress Scale. Depending on the stress scores and the presence or absence of oral aphthae, they were assigned into 3 groups of 30 each. After a thorough oral examination, individual samples of saliva was collected and subjected to microprotein estimation using a biochemical analyzer. Statistical Analysis Used: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test. Results: Decreased levels of peroxidase were found in individuals' with aphthous ulcers, while the same was increased when no lesions were found and also on a lower stress scale. Conclusions: Our study analysis does show a variation in enzyme levels between the different groups highlighting the influence of stress on the peroxidase levels, which in turn when imbalanced, results in tissue damage, leading to aphthous formation.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral mucosa. Stromal myofibroblasts play an important role in tumor invasion and metastasis, due to its ability to modify the extracellular matrix. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the presence of myofibroblasts in normal mucosa, early invasive carcinoma and different grades of OSCC. Materials and Methods: The study included the archival tissues of 18 OSCC of well, moderate and poorly differentiated grades, three early invasive carcinomas and five normal mucosa. Myofibroblasts were identified by immunohistochemical detection of h1 calponin. Results: The percentage and intensity of h1 calponin were examined and positive immunostaining was observed in the myofibroblasts of all SCCs and early invasive carcinomas; however, these cells did not stain in the normal epithelium specimens. The presence of myofibroblasts was significantly higher in invasive pattern of OSCCs compared to normal mucosa cases (P < 0.070). A significant difference was not observed between the different grades of OSCC (P ≤ 0.812). Conclusion: These findings show the presence of myofibroblasts in OSCC but not in normal mucosa, suggesting that the genetically altered epithelium (carcinomatous epithelium) may have an inductive effect on the adjacent stroma to produce myofibroblasts. Also transdifferentiation of myofibroblasts is induced somewhere in the invasive stage of SCC irrespective of the epithelial cell differentiation.

Background: Salivary gland tumors of epithelial origin are rare lesions. Few epidemiologic studies on prevalence of such condition in Iranian population have been published. This study with the aim of determining the relative frequency of epithelial salivary tumors was performed in Yazd city from 2001 to 2012. Materials and Methods: Cases diagnosed as primary malignant epithelial salivary gland tumor were collected from the Pathology Department of main hospitals and Health Department of Medical Science Yazd University from 2001-2012. Histopathologic type, tumor location, age, gender and whether patients were native or non-native were analyzed. Results: Eighty-one cases of primary malignant epithelial salivary gland tumors were recorded. Male to female ratio was 1:1.3. The most common malignancy was adenoid cystic carcinoma (35.8%) and the most common effected site was the parotid gland. Mean age for malignancy was 52.57 ΁ 18.25 years. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, predilection of adenoid cystic carcinoma was more in non-natives as compared to natives (from Yazd). This could suggest the influence of racial and environmental factors on prevalence of such malignancies.

Objective: In the present study, expression of heat shock protein (HSP70) was evaluated and compared in oral dysplastic lesions, in particular leukoplakia (study group) and in normal mucosal tissues (control group). Additionally, correlation of HSP70 expression with clinical disease status was investigated. Subjects and Methods: A total of 60 fresh tissue specimens were obtained from the oral cavity, consisting of 30 dysplastic cases and 30 normal mucosal tissues. The presence of epithelial dysplasia and its histologic grading was evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was carried out with the monoclonal HSP70 antibodies and expression of cytoplasmic HSP70 within the epithelium was compared between dysplastic and normal mucosal samples using Student's t-test. Results: Expression of HSP70 was detected in 93% of the oral dysplastic tissues and 20% of the normal mucosal tissues. Statistical significant difference in the HSP70 expression was seen between oral dysplastic tissues and normal oral mucosal tissues (P < 0.000). The interexaminer reliability was 93.3%. Statistical significant difference was seen in the HSP70 expression between controls and different grades of dysplasia (mild, moderate and severe). There was no relationship of HSP70 expression with clinical parameters like age, sex, site of the lesion, history of adverse habits and duration of adverse habits. Conclusion: In the present study, HSP70 activity was significantly higher in oral dysplastic (leukoplakia) group than in the control group. Further, as the grade of dysplasia increased, the staining intensity and/or distribution increased, indicating that enhanced HSP70 expression occurs during oral carcinogenesis. Hence, it is concluded that increased HSP70 immunoexpression could be an objective marker for the presence of epithelial dysplasia.

Objectives: To determine if long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) therapy alters salivary flow rate and also to compare its relation of CD4 count with unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 150 individuals divided into three groups. Group I (50 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive patients, but not on HAART therapy), Group II (50 HIV-infected subjects and on HAART for less than 3 years called short-term HAART), Group III (50 HIV-infected subjects and on HAART for more than or equal to 3 years called long-term HAART). Spitting method proposed by Navazesh and Kumar was used for the measurement of unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rate. Chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean CD4 count was 424.78 ΁ 187.03, 497.82 ΁ 206.11 and 537.6 ΁ 264.00 in the respective groups. Majority of the patients in all the groups had a CD4 count between 401 and 600. Both unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary (UWS and SWS) flow rates in Group I was found to be significantly higher than in Group II (P < 0.05). Unstimulated salivary flow rate between Group II and III subjects were also found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). ANOVA performed between CD4 count and unstimulated and stimulated whole saliva in each group demonstrated a statistically significant relationship in Group II (P < 0.05). There were no significant results found between CD4 count and stimulated whole saliva in each groups. Conclusion:The reduction in CD4 cell counts were significantly associated with salivary flow rates of HIV-infected individuals who are on long-term HAART.

Loricrin is a terminally differentiating structural protein comprising more than 70% of the cornified envelope. It contributes to the protective barrier function of the stratum corneum. In vivo, loricrin is expressed in all mammalian stratified epithelia with the highest levels of expression in humid tissues such as newborn epidermis, the epithelia of oral and anal mucosa, esophagus, foreskin, vagina and the epidermal parts of sweat ducts. Loricrin is not expressed in non keratinizing epithelia and its expression at these sites actually represents a defensive or protective mechanism of the body. An insight into this protein- "Loricrin" can shed light to its potential as a marker in the early stages of potentially malignant disorders like oral sub mucous fibrosis and leukoplakia. This compilation has been done by taking into account the existing literature, reviews and original studies on loricrin, a major component of the cornified cell envelope, its structure and the alterations that result due to its absence or presence of both the epidermis and the oral mucosa.

Globally, arecanut and tobacco are among the most common addictions. Tobacco and arecanut alone or in combination are practiced in different regions in various forms. Subsequently, oral mucosal lesions also show marked variations in their clinical as well as histopathological appearance. However, it has been found that there is no uniformity and awareness while reporting these habits. Various terminologies used by investigators like 'betel chewing','betel quid chewing','betel nut chewing','betel nut habit','tobacco chewing'and 'paan chewing' clearly indicate that there is lack of knowledge and lots of confusion about the exact terminology and content of the habit. If the health promotion initiatives are to be considered, a thorough knowledge of composition and way of practicing the habit is essential. In this article we reviewed composition and various terminologies associated with areca nut and tobacco habits in an effort to clearly delineate various habits.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA), is a rare, salivary gland intraoral tumor with complexities in diagnosis and this review highlights the difficulties.

Linear immunoglobulin A (IgA) dermatosis (LAD) is a rare autoimmune disorder that presents as a vesiculo-bullous lesion with cutaneous manifestations, but rare oral mucosal involvement. Here we discuss a case of a vesiculobullous lesion with severe oral and ocular mucosal involvement mimicking pemphigoid with histopathological evidence of subepithelial blisters. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) confirmed the lesion as LAD of adult variant, although with atypical clinical features.

Cervical ganglioneuromas are extremely rare with approximately six case reports. The current report highlights a unique collision tumor between a cervical ganglioneuroma and a metastatic undifferentiated carcinoma arising from a primary gingival mass. A 53-year-old male presented with a 2 cm left gingival mass that was excised and treated with systemic chemotherapy. Consequently, 9 months later, he developed a 3.2 cm left submandibular mass followed by recurrence of the left gingival mass. From the clinicopathologic perspective, this had to be separated from the differentials: ganglioneuroblastoma or metastatic involvement of a lymph node from primary gingival undifferentiated carcinoma.

Lipomatous hemangiopericytomas are rare soft-tissue tumors that show areas of hemangiopericytoma like vascular pattern admixed with lipid containing cells. It is now considered a subtype of solitary fibrous tumor due to histopathological and immunohistochemical similarities. To date, only a few cases have been adequately reported in the medical literature. A case of lipomatous hemangiopericytoma in an 11-year-old female patient is presented and the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical features are discussed, along with a literature review. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known case of a lipomatous hemangiopericytoma in a pediatric patient. Our case report further emphasizes that a number of studies should be evaluated to delineate hemangiopericytomas from solitary fibrous tumors.

Context: Estimation of the age is a procedure adopted by anthropologists, archeologists and forensic scientists. Different methods have been undertaken. However none of them meet the standards as Demirjian's method since 1973. Various researchers have applied this method, in both original and modified form (Chaillet and Demirjian in 2004) in different ethnic groups and the results obtained were not satisfactory. Aims: To determine the applicability and accuracy of modified Demirjian's method of dental age estimation (AE) in 8-18 year old Tibetan young adults to evaluate the interrelationship between dental and chronological age and the reliability between intra- and inter observer relationship. Settings and Design: Clinical setting and computerized design. Subjects and Methods: A total of 300 Tibetan young adults with an age range from 8 to 18 years were recruited in the study. Digital panoramic radiographs (DPRs) were evaluated as per the modified Demirjian's method (2004). Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson correlation, paired t-test, linear regression analysis. Results: Inter -and intraobserver reliability revealed a strong agreement. A positive and strong association was found between chronological age and estimated dental age (r = 0.839) with P < 0.01. Modified Demirjian method (2004) overestimated the age by 0.04 years (2.04 months)in Tibetan young adults. Conclusions: Results suggest that, the modified Demirjian method of AE is not suitable for Tibetan young adults. Further studies: With larger sample size and comparision with different methods of AE in a given population would be an interesting area for future research.

Basal cell adenoma (BCA) is a rare benign epithelial tumor of the salivary gland, displaying monomorphic basaloid cells without a myxochondroid component, representing 1-3% of all salivary gland neoplasms seen predominantly in women over 50 years of age. It is uncommon in young adults. Cytodiagnosis of basaloid tumors chiefly basal cell adenoma of the salivary gland, is extremely challenging. The cytological differential diagnoses range from benign to malignant, neoplastic to non- neoplastic lesions. Histopathological examination is a must for definitive diagnosis, as these entities differ in prognosis and therapeutic aspects. We present a 22-years-old male with this uncommon diagnosis with a discussion on the role of cytological diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology is a simple, minimally invasive method for the preoperative diagnosis of various types of neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. The knowledge of its pitfalls and limitations contributes to a more effective approach to treatment.

Actinomycosis is a chronic suppurative infection that can occur in the head and neck region. Though cervico-facial actinomycosis is well described, primary actinomycosis of the salivary gland is rare and can present as any other suppurative infection or can simulate malignancy. We hereby report a case of a young male with primary actinomycosis of submandibular gland, presenting as acute suppurative infection and diagnosed on histopathology.

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been reported to have parotid swellings of various types such as diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome, parotitis, intraparotid lymphadenopathy, benign lymphoepithelial cyst (BLEC), as well as salivary gland neoplasms such as adenoid cystic carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma. LECs in the parotid gland are uncommon benign entities with increased incidence associated with HIV infection. We are presenting a case of 28-year-old HIV-positive patient with BLECs in the parotid and submandibular glands.

Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare tumor of uncertain malignant potential. Stout and Murray described HPC as "vascular tumor arising from Zimmerman's pericyte" in 1942.The World Health Organization (WHO) reclassified HPC as a fibroblastic/myofibroblastic tumor, after further characterization. HPC is found mostly wherever there is increased vascularity seen. The incidence of the tumor in head and neck area is only 15%, mostly seen in adults. We report here a case of HPC of a 22-year-old female, who presented to our department with a tender swelling in maxillary anterior region and the mass was well-circumscribed, sessile and soft on palpation. The skin over the tumor was intact and normal. The tumor was completely removed with wide surgical resection. The histopathological staining supported the diagnosis of HPC, this was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in which CD99 showed strong positivity.

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE), also called epithelioid hemangioma, is a rare benign vascular lesion usually affecting the muscular arteries of the head and neck in female patients. Here, we report a 30-year-old male patient who presented with painless swelling in the angle region of the mandible. The diagnosis of the specimen, which was surgically removed under local anesthesia, was made as ALHE. The patient has remained uneventful for 3 years.

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is a distinctive neoplasm characterized by abundance of multinucleated giant cells scattered throughout the stroma of mononuclear cells. Its importance lies in recognizing and differentiating the characteristic histology, which at times may mimic several other bone tumors and endocrine disorders ranging from locally aggressive giant cell granulomas to hyperparathyroidism to malignant tumors. The jaw bones account for less than 1% of the lesion.In a literature search, we found only five cases of GCT of jaw bones based on the new criteria. We present a rare case of GCT of the mandible which occurred in a 12-year-old female.

This article reports an unusual case of Axenfeld-Rieger Syndrome (ARS) associated with severe maxillofacial and skeletal anomalies.A 55-year-old man with ARS revealed interesting and unexpected radiological findings. Severe maxillofacial and skeletal anomalies, in addition to the well-recognized extraocular findings, that occurs in patients with ARS is reported and our case highlights this possible rare association between ARS and maxillofacial and skeletal anomalies.

We present the first bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) in the nasal dorsum. These lesions have been described since 1983; however, the vast majority of these lesions do not present in the head and neck, although five cases exist in the literature. An understanding of the potential sites for bizarre paraosteal osteochondromatous proliferations will help lead to successful diagnosis and proper treatment.

Dentin dysplasia is a rare disturbance of dentin formation characterized by normal enamel but atypical dentin formation with abnormal pupal morphology. The teeth appear clinically normal in morphologic appearance and color. The teeth characteristically exhibit extreme mobility and are commonly exfoliated prematurely. Radiograph shows obliteration of all pulp chambers, short, blunted and malformed or absent roots with periapical radiolucencies involving apparently intact tooth. This case is reported here because of its rarity along with the description of various clinical, radiological and histological features.

Osteochondroma (OC) is one of the most common benign tumor of osseous and cartilaginous origin. It usually occurs in the skeletal bones and very rarely in craniofacial region. In the craniofacial region, condyle and coronoid process of the mandible are the most commonly affected areas. The present article reports the extremely rare case of OC arising from the angle of the mandible causing facial asymmetry.

Salivary gland swellings can result from tumors, an inflammatory process or cysts. It can sometimes be difficult to establish; whether pathology arises from the salivary gland itself or adjacent structures. Neoplasms of the salivary glands account for less than 1% of all tumors, 3-5% of all head and neck tumors and benign pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of minor salivary glands arising de novo is very rare. PA is the most common tumor of the salivary gland. While the majority arises from the parotid gland, only a small percentage arises from the buccal minor salivary gland. A case of PA of minor salivary glands in the buccal mucosa in a 70-year-old female is discussed. It includes review of literature, clinical features, histopathology, radiological findings and treatment of the tumor; with emphasis on diagnosis.