Outcome of squamous cell carcinoma of the gingiva: a follow-up study of 83 cases

Prognostic value of a mandibular canal staging system for primary lesions in patients with lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma: a multicenter, retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The Union for International Cancer Control and American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor staging system is used globally for treatment planning. As it may be insufficient for tumor staging of lower gingival carcinomas, we proposed the mandibular canal tumor staging system. In this study, we aimed to compare the two systems for such tumor staging and to identify prognostic markers.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective study included patients with lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical surgery during 2001-2018. We compared survival rates (Kaplan-Meier estimator) and patient stratification according to the two systems.

RESULTS

The proposed system yielded more balanced patient stratification than the existing system. Progression in the tumor grade according to the proposed system was associated with a poorer prognosis. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates for the entire cohort were 74.9% and 81.8%, respectively. Independent factors affecting overall survival were tumor stage according to the proposed system, excision margins, and number of positive nodes, whereas those affecting disease-specific survival were excision margins and number of positive nodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Subsite-specific tumor classification should be used for patients with oral cancer, and our results suggest that mandibular canal tumor classification may be effective for patients with lower gingival carcinoma.

Malignant Lesions of the Oral Region

This article focuses on the radiographic presentations of various malignant conditions that affect the oral region and delineates the role of CT, MR imaging, and PET in oral cancer imaging.

Unusual localized gingival redness: a case report

Inflammation of the gingiva is one of the most common and routine findings in dental practice. These routine appearances of inflammatory gingivae can show peculiarity when associated with an underlying systemic condition or because of reactive, benign, or malignant pathologies. This case highlights minute clinical signs of the gingiva that deviate from the routine presentation and warrant further investigations. A 63-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of severe pain in relation to the lower front teeth region for 1 month. Intraoral examination revealed a gingival lesion on the labial aspect of 41, 42, and 43, and an intraoral periapical radiograph showed mild bone loss. The lesion persisted despite oral prophylaxis, and a biopsy was advised. The final diagnosis was stage 1 gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC). It is important to note that the non-descript presentation of GSCC in early stages often mimics benign traumatic or inflammatory lesions of the gingiva. Peculiar clinical features of GSCC of note include the lack of traditionally associated risk factors and localized red or ulcerative lesions with increased bleeding tendencies that do not respond to routine periodontal treatment within 2 weeks.

Gingival and Alveolar Ridge Overgrowths: A Histopathological Evaluation from Saudi Arabia

Background

Focal tissue overgrowths on the gingiva and edentulous alveolar ridge are occasionally perplexing to periodontists, owing to the wide variety of differential diagnoses that may be responsible. As such, biopsy and microscopy are often required to establish a definitive diagnosis. The present study aimed to retrospectively evaluate focal gingival and alveolar ridge overgrowths at a single institution in Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

Histopathology reports and slides from patients presenting to King Saud University Hospital between 1984 and 2016, particularly those with focal gingival enlargements other than those due to gingivitis and periodontitis, were collected and analyzed based on age, sex, and location.

Results

A total of 624 patient records were evaluated, with a mean age of 35 years (range, 1 week–91 years), peak incidence in the third decade of life, male-to-female ratio of 1:1.4, and a slightly higher prevalence of lesions in the mandible. The majority (88%) of the lesions were reactive or hyperplastic, followed by malignant (10%) and benign (2%) tumors. A total of 24 distinct histological entities were diagnosed across the three groups. The most common histologically diagnosed lesions were pyogenic granulomas (38%), fibromas (33%), peripheral ossifying fibromas (9%), squamous cell carcinomas (7%), peripheral giant cell granulomas (6%), neurofibromas (1%), and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (1%).

Conclusion

Similar to what has been reported by most previous studies, reactive hyperplastic lesions were the most prevalent focal overgrowths found in the gingival and alveolar mucosae. Carcinomas at these sites, however, may be an understated but significant clinical and epidemiological problem in Saudi Arabia. Gingival and alveolar ridge lumps can serve as a nexus for cooperation between periodontologists and oral pathologists to improve diagnosis, disease classification, and patient management.

Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma Masquerading as Localized Periodontal Disease in the Maxilla: A Case Report

Objectives:

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm of epithelium. In the U.S., carcinoma of the gingiva constitutes 4% to 16% of all oral carcinomas. This case report highlights such a case in maxillary gingiva and emphasizes the vital role of dental professionals, especially periodontists and endodontists, in being cognizant that an inflammatory lesion can mimic a serious condition like squamous cell carcinoma.

Case Presentation:

A patient who visited the screening clinic for an ulcerated lesion in the gingiva was otherwise healthy with no associated history of tobacco or any traumatic/persistent traumatic events.

The patient was treated for pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia based on the current condition and negative history of malignancy. On three months of follow-up, computed tomography radiographic evaluation and a biopsy were done, which were positive for the malignancy. Follow-up after six months includes PET, Head MRI, and chest X-ray examinations to rule out any metastatic entity.

Results:

A six-month follow-up radiographic examination revealed metastasis of the entity. Additional findings include pleural effusion and underlying infections.

Conclusion:

Early diagnosis is the key to the treatment plan. It further highlights the role of advanced imaging as a vital tool in determining the extent of the disease. Therefore, any persistent lesion exhibiting features that are not responding to conventional gingival and periodontal treatment options for more than two weeks should be referred for further evaluation to rule out cancer.

Nomogram forecasting 3-, 5-, and 8-year overall survival and cancer-specific survival of gingival squamous cell carcinoma

No nomogram models addressing the personalized prognosis evaluation of patients with gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) have been documented. We sought to establish nomograms to forecast overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with GSCC. We collected the detailed clinicopathological information of 2505 patients with GSCC from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program. Afterward, we divided the 2505 cases into a modeling group (n = 1253) and an external validation cohort (n = 1252) via random split-sample method. We developed the nomograms on the basis of the Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox survival analysis of the modeling group and then split the modeling cohort into two parts based on cut-off values: high- and low-risk cohorts. An improved survival was shown in the low-risk group compared to their counterpart, with a significant difference after the log-rank test. The performance of the nomograms was evaluated via concordance-index (C-index), the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and calibration curves. All the C-indexes and AUCs were greater than 0.7, showing high accuracy. Moreover, the calibrations showed that the actual observations were close to the 45° perfect reference line. In conclusion, we successfully developed two nomograms to provide individualized, patient-specific estimates of OS and CSS available for risk-stratification.

Composition and function of oral microbiota between gingival squamous cell carcinoma and periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have proved that periodontitis is an independent risk factor of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) epidemiologically. Along with the important role of microbiota in the cancer process and the specific anatomical position, our study explored the microbial composition and functions in periodontitis and gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GSCC patients (n = 10), matched periodontitis patients (n = 15), and healthy individuals (n = 15) were recruited. Saliva, subgingival plaque, tongue dorsum, buccal mucosa, cancerous tissue, and paracancerous tissue samples were collected. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing and functional prediction were applied for the taxonomic analysis.

RESULTS

Periodontal pathogens occupied 46% in GSCC. Besides, the mutual operational taxonomy unites (OTU) generated from the subgingival plaque occupied 38.36% and 44.13% from saliva. Fusobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Prevotella were more abundant in cancerous tissues, while Streptococcus, Neisseria, and Haemophilus were more enriched in saliva or soft mucosa. PCoA exhibited similar cluster between tongue dorsum and saliva in GSCC. GSCC showed lower richness than periodontitis. In saliva and subgingival plaque, Atopobium was more prevalent in GSCC than periodontitis and controls in descending order. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis increased in subgingival plaque of GSCC compared with the other two groups.

CONCLUSION

Periodontal pathogens were abundant in GSCC. Cancerous tissues harbor enriched periodontal pathogens while saliva or soft mucosa harbored more periodontal health related bacteria. A high level of Atopobium in saliva and LPS biosynthesis have the potential for increasing the risk of suffering from GSCC in individuals with periodontitis, which needs more evidence to clarify it.

Prognostic factors and treatment outcomes of advanced maxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma treated by intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy concurrent with radiotherapy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic factors and treatment outcomes of advanced maxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) treated with intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy concurrent with radiotherapy.

METHODS

A total of 46 patients were reviewed retrospectively in this study. The treatment schedule comprised intra-arterial chemotherapy (total, 60 mg/m² docetaxel and 150 mg/m² cisplatin) and three-dimensional computed tomography based, daily conventional radiotherapy (total, 60 Gy/30 fr) for 6 weeks.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 40 months (range, 3-110 months). The 3-year overall survival and locoregional control rates for all patients were 64.3% and 84.3%, respectively. The OS rate of the patients with N0-1 was significantly higher than that of the patients with N ≥ 2 (P < .05). No grade 5 toxicities were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy concurrent with radiotherapy was effective for advanced maxillary gingival SCC.

Survival Outcomes in T4aN0M0 Mandibular Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Surgery Alone

Objectives

To measure disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survival among patients with T4aN0M0 mandibular gingival squamous cell carcinoma who were treated with surgery alone.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed of all adult patients treated surgically with an oral cavity composite resection between January 2005 and March 2017. Among other data, patient preoperative characteristics were recorded (eg, age, sex, smoking history, alcohol use, and clinical stage); operative notes were reviewed to determine tumor subsite involvement, reconstruction method, and intraoperative surgical complications; and pathology reports were evaluated for various pathologic findings. Survival outcomes were determined with Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Results

The mean follow-up was 18.5 months (range, 0.1-100). The 1- and 5-year disease-free survival rates were 90.5% and 84.5%, respectively, while the 1- and 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 87.8% and 81.9%. The 1- and 5-year overall survival rates were 86.4% and 80.6%.

Conclusions

Patients with T4aN0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the mandibular gingiva treated with surgery alone have a 5-year overall survival of 80.6%. Treatment with surgery alone obviates morbidities associated with adjuvant therapy while upholding survival outcomes.

Cervical metastasis of gingival carcinoma misdiagnosed as branchiogenic carcinoma, a rare entity - report of a case and review of literature

BACKGROUND

A cervical cystic mass is associated with a number of pathologies that present with similar symptoms. These conditions are difficult to differentiate using fine-needle aspiration (FNA), ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Another dilemma in the differential diagnosis of cervical cystic masses is due to the controversies associated with the existence of branchiogenic carcinoma (BC). BC is an extremely rare disease that must be differentiated from other conditions presenting with cervical cystic masses, especially cystic metastasis from occult primary lesions.

CASE PRESENTATION

We present a case report of a right cervical cystic metastasis from a significantly small squamous cell carcinoma primary gingival lesion misdiagnosed as BC by histopathology. A 62-year-old female presented with a painless progressively enlarging cervical mass at the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the right submandibular region. Preoperative MRI and US revealed a well-defined cystic round mass. Postoperative histological examination indicated BC. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) revealed high 18F-FDG (18F 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose) uptake in surgical regions with a SUV (standard uptake value) max 4.0 and ipsilateral nasopharynx with a SUVmax 4.4, without any distant metastasis. Pathologic results revealed nasopharyngeal lymphadenosis. Considering the low incidence of BC and the limitation of diagnosis in one institution, the patient was referred to another hospital. Physical examination detected a significantly small neoplasm (~3 mm diameter) in the right lower gingiva. Histopathological examination of the neoplasm revealed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Surgery, including a partial mandibulectomy and modified neck dissection (neck level I-V and submental lymph nodes) were undertaken. Postoperative histopathological results revealed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of right lower gingiva and two metastatic lymph nodes in the 18 lymph nodes of level II. A month later, recurrence occurred in the right cervical level II. The patient was placed on postoperative concurrent chemo-radiotherapy and supportive care. The patient suffered from cachexia and survived for only six months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases of cervical cystic masses that appear after the age of 40, clinicians should bear in mind that occult primary lesions should be excluded and examination of the gingiva should be undertaken. PET/CT has a limited role in identifying small occult primary lesions and a comprehensive physical examination must be carefully performed.

Does Different Mandibulectomy (Marginal vs Segmental) Affect the Prognosis in Patients With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma?

PURPOSE

It is unclear whether different mandibular surgical methods affect the prognosis of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Accordingly, the authors retrospectively compared the prognosis of patients who underwent marginal mandibulectomy (MG) or segmental mandibulectomy (SG) for OSCC and aimed to determine the factors influencing prognosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of 82 patients with OSCC who underwent mandibulectomy at their hospital from January 2001 through January 2015. All patients had a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of OSCC adjacent to the lower mandible. The local recurrence rate and survival rate after these 2 treatment modalities were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. At univariate and multivariate analyses, the Cox regression model was used to screen risk factors for recurrence, including pathologic grade, pT stage, mandibular involvement, lymph node metastasis, and method of mandibulectomy. Statistical significance was considered when P values were less than .05.

RESULTS

Of the 82 patients, 39 underwent MG and 43 underwent SG. According to statistical analysis, age, gender, pathologic grade, tumor stage, mandibular involvement, and lymph node metastasis were similar between the 2 groups. The 3- and 5-year local recurrence rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P > .05). The 3- and 5-year survival rates were not significantly different between the 2 groups (P > .05). Poorly differentiated pathologic type was the only prognostic factor for OSCC at multivariate Cox regression analysis (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that MG is safe for some evaluated patients with OSCC. Of the prognostic factors studied, MG was not associated with worse prognosis; however, poorly differentiated OSCC affected the prognosis for oral carcinoma.

Prognostic factors in mandibular gingival squamous cell carcinoma: A 10-year retrospective study

The mandibular gingiva is the second most common site of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. This retrospective study was designed to determine the clinicopathological features of squamous cell carcinoma of the mandibular gingiva (MGSCC) and to establish a new risk model to predict overall survival. The study included 207 patients with primary MGSCC from January 2000 to September 2009. The medical charts were reviewed and data related to clinical characteristics, treatment provided, histopathological analysis, and follow-up were recorded. All patients underwent surgery as the first-line therapy; follow-up ranged from 1 to 171 months (median 63 months). Clinical characteristics and pathological outcomes were analyzed with respect to the 5-year overall survival rate. A survival risk model was established, and patients were classified into low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups based on the prognostic index designed in this study. The 5-year overall survival rates for the low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups were 92.3%, 76.9%, and 34.2%, respectively. Pathological node metastasis, perineural invasion, and extracapsular spread were the most significant predictive factors for 5-year overall survival. MGSCC is not aggressive, and the survival outcomes of MGSCC are better than those of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at other sites. It is suggested that patients with T2-T4 tumours undergo elective neck dissection and those with T1 tumours be followed up without addressing the neck.

Prognostic and staging implications of mandibular canal invasion in lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma

A multi-institutional study was undertaken to determine whether mandibular canal (MC) invasion and mandibular medullary bone invasion are independent factors in lower gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A total of 345 patients with lower gingival SCC were retrospectively reviewed. Mandibular bone invasion was categorized into three types; no bone invasion; invasion through cortical bone (medullary); and MC invasion. The overall survival rate and factors affecting local, regional, and distant failures were assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier estimates. Bone invasion was present in 201 (58%) patients, of whom 107 (31%) had medullary invasion and 94 (27%) had MC invasion. Using the International Union Against Cancer (UICC) staging system and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) system, 171 (50%) patients were classified as T4a. When the bone invasion criteria were excluded from the UICC/AJCC system definition, 152 T4a tumors were downstaged and reclassified to T1 in 12 (3%), to T2 in 98 (28%), and to T3 in 42 (12%). In Cox multivariate analysis, MC invasion was an independent predictor of overall survival but medullary bone invasion was not. Medullary bone invasion was an independent variable for distant control. The current T staging system has restricted prognostic utility. The authors recommend a modified T staging system, whereby tumors with MC invasion instead of medullary bone invasion are classified as T4a, and tumors are first classified as T1 to T3 based on size and then upstaged by one T classification in the presence of medullary invasion.

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma mimicking as a desquamative lesion

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most frequently encountered neoplasm in the oral cavity, which accounts for more than 90% of all cancers. Except for carcinoma of the lip vermilion, the most common sites of oral SCC are the tongue and floor of mouth, followed at a lower frequency by the soft palate, gingiva, and buccal mucosa. Clinically, it may be misdiagnosed because of its variable appearances. This case report presents a case of well-differentiated SCC of gingiva. A 48-year-old male patient reported to the Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Sciences, Karad, with a 1-year history of burning sensation and painful lesion on the gingiva from 35 to 37 (mandibular) regions. On clinical examination, desquamated gingival lesion was seen with no purulent exudation. Clinical characteristics and differential diagnosis indicated the lesion for an excisional biopsy. Histopathological examination confirmed the lesion to be a well-differentiated SCC. The patient was referred for the treatment consisting of surgical excision of the lesion. Since an early diagnosis and treatment was possible in this case, it resulted in a good prognosis. In these instances, dentist plays an important role in early detection of gingival SCC.

Cancer of the gingiva

Cancer of the gingiva is a rare disease in the Western World. It most commonly affects elderly population. Because of its rarity, the reporting on the disease is sparse and often grouped with other subsites of oral cancer, which makes conclusions difficult to interpret. The aim of this paper is to review the literature on gingival cancer as a specific subsite of oral cancer and report on published prognostic factors as well as treatment of local and regional disease. We also present differences between gingival cancer subgroups, mandibular and maxillary gingival cancer. In addition, both surgical and oncological treatments are reviewed. It seems that surgery is the preferred initial treatment approach for the majority of patients with gingival cancer, although adjuvant radiation, with or without chemotherapy, is commonly recommended to increase locoregional control.

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma presenting as periodontal lesion in the mandibular posterior region

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) is a relatively rare malignant neoplasm of the oral cavity. It represents less than 10% of diagnosed intraoral carcinoma. Because of its close proximity to the teeth and periodontium, the tumour can mimic tooth-related benign inflammatory conditions. This case report describes a patient diagnosed with GSCC presenting as localised periodontitis.

The clinical and histologic presentation of gingival squamous cell carcinoma: a study of 519 cases

OBJECTIVES

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) often presents with benign features, which may lead to delay in treatment. This study describes the clinical and histologic characteristics of a series of gingival SCCA cases.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective consecutive case review was performed using the University of Florida College of Dentistry Biopsy service's database, which yielded clinical and histologic information on 519 cases of gingival SCCA.

RESULTS

The average age of affected patients was 72.3 years. The most common site was the mandibular posterior gingiva. Approximately 72% of lesions were present for >2 months at biopsy. The majority of clinicians considered a malignancy in their differential diagnosis (64%), although 15% considered only reactive lesions. Most of the carcinomas presented as exophytic masses and, histologically, were moderately differentiated.

CONCLUSIONS

Gingival SCCA may present with varied clinical and histologic appearances and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign appearing lesions of the gingiva.

Treatment outcome of Photofrin-based photodynamic therapy for T1 and T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma and dysplasia

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive treatment modality for early and superficial malignancy or premalignancy in the head and neck regions. However, few studies have examined the use of Photofrin-mediated PDT to manage early carcinoma and dysplasia in the oral cavity.

METHODS

Between January 2004 and November 2008, 25 T1 to T2 patients with N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma and mucosal dysplasia in the oral cavity were treated by Porfimer sodium (Photofrin(®))-mediated PDT at Nagasaki University Hospital. Clinical responses were evaluated according to the guidelines of the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). After the PDT and a 2-year follow-up period, disease specific survival rates were then calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 30 regions in 25 patients (18 with squamous cell carcinoma and 7 with epithelial dysplasia with hyperkeratosis in the oral cavity) were treated by PDT. Complete response was achieved in 24 of the 25 patients (96%), with a partial response found in the remaining patient. For the three patients who exhibited recurrence at 4, 5, and 15 months after PDT, salvage surgery or a second PDT was performed. Of these three patients, one died due to another disease, while one died due to local lymphatic metastasis that occurred during the follow-up period. Overall, the disease specific survival rate was 95.8%. Treatment-related edema and pain emerged within 24h after irradiation. Pain control using non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates was required for 3-4 weeks in all patients. Complete healing was attained at 4-6 weeks after the treatment. No persistent problems related to functional or esthetic outcomes were noted.

Expression level of pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 2 (PBX2) as a prognostic marker for gingival squamous cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we investigated the interrelationship between clinicopathologic findings and pre-B-cell leukemia transcription factor 2 (PBX2) expression in gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC).

METHODS

Expression level of PBX2 was immunohistochemically examined in 66 GSCC subjects (30 men and 36 women) with ages ranging from 42 to 85 (median 64.5) years, in which staining intensity in tumor cells was categorized as either weaker (level 1) or equal to/stronger (level 2) than that in the endothelial cells.

RESULTS

PBX2 expression is correlated with valosin-containing protein (VCP) expression. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed a high level of PBX2 expression to be a poor prognosticator for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), and PBX2 expression was an independent prognostic factor for both DFS and OS in GSCC.

CONCLUSIONS

PBX2 expression level in GSCC is prognostic. PBX2 may be a useful marker to identify the potential for progression in GSCC.

Gingival carcinoma: retrospective analysis of 72 patients and indications for elective neck dissection

Gingival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is relatively uncommon, and little is known about its metastatic pattern. We retrospectively reviewed 864 consecutive patients with oral SCC who were seen at the University of Maryland Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1991-2005), and identified 111 cases of gingival SCC. Inclusion criteria were fulfilled in 72 patients (mean duration of follow up 49 (1-153) months). Mean (range) age was 72 (45-93) years; 41 patients were women and 31 men. Distribution was almost equal: mandible 35 and maxilla 37. Forty (56%) were in the early stages (pI/II) and 32 (44%) in the later stages (pIII/IV). Twenty-nine patients had primary neck dissections, of whom 7/21 had clear, and 6/8 invaded, cervical nodes. The total number of occult nodal metastases was 9/29 (31%) in the mandible and 14/35 in the maxilla (one patient with initially clear nodes had both invaded nodes at neck dissection and a recurrence in the neck). The number of early compared with late stage occult metastases was 4 of 20 patients (20% T1/T2) and 5 of 9 patients (55% T3/T4) in the mandible and 2 of 22 patients (9% T1/T2) and 2 of 13 patients (15% T3/T4) in the maxilla. Two of 9 patients developed occult nodes within T2 maxillary gingival SCC. Bony invasion was identified in 17 patients (24%) occurring in 8 of 19 patients (42%) with invaded nodes compared with 9 of 53 patients (17%) with clear nodes. Overall survival at 2 and 5 years was 53 of 72 patients (74%) and 27 of 72 patients (38%) respectively. Elective neck dissection is indicated for all stages of mandibular gingival tumours and T3/T4 carcinomas of the maxillary gingiva. T2 maxillary SCC should be considered for elective neck dissection. Overall disease-free survival was worse among those with cervical metastases (p=0.004) and those who had had marginal resections (p=0.04).

CT assessment of the correlation between clinical examination and bone involvement in oral malignant tumors

Oral cancers have a tendency to invade the surrounding bone structures, and this has a direct influence on the treatment management and on outcomes. The objective of this study was to correlate the clinical parameters (location, clinical presentation and TNM staging) of oral malignant tumors that can be associated with a potential of bone invasion and determine the accuracy of clinical examination to predict bone involvement, using computed tomography (CT). Twenty five patients, with oral malignant tumors were submitted to clinical and CT examinations. CT was considered the standard parameter to evaluate the presence of bone involvement. Clinical assessment of location, presentation form and TNM staging of the tumors were then compared to the CT findings in predicting bone involvement. Bone involvement was observed in 68% of the cases. It was predicted that tumors located in the retromolar trigone and hard palate, with a clinical aspect of infiltrative ulcer or nodule and classified in stage IV had a high potential to cause bone involvement. The clinical examination assessment of these tumors showed to be a valuable tool to predict bone invasion, with high sensitivity (82%) and specificity (87.5%), based on the results found in the CT images. No statistical significance was found between the CT and clinical examinations regarding bone involvement. The identification of some clinical parameters such as location, clinical presentation, and TNM stage, associated with a detailed clinical examination, was considered a valuable tool for the assessment of bone destruction by oral malignant tumors.

Treatment outcomes in squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary alveolus and palate: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

This population-based historical cohort study evaluates the treatment outcomes of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary alveolus and hard palate.

METHODS

A historical cohort of 37 cases of previously untreated biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma of the upper jaw registered in the Province of Manitoba from January 1975 to January 2004 was analyzed.

RESULTS

The tumor epicenter involved the maxillary alveolus in 26 patients and the hard palate in 11 patients. The mean age of the study population was 72.8 years and 67% were women with a documented tobacco use rate of 50%. Forty-one percent had stage I or II disease, 51% stage III or IV, and 8% could not be staged. Treatment included radiotherapy as a single modality (13.5%), surgery (38%), surgery and radiotherapy (24%), and palliative treatment (24%). Local recurrence was observed in 10 patients with 6 failing at the primary site. The absolute and disease-free survival at 5 years was 33% and 62% respectively. The 5-year disease-free survival was 82% for stage I and II and 48% for stage III and IV (P = .056). No patient treated with radiotherapy as a single treatment modality survived 5 years. Disease-free survival for patients treated with surgery, and surgery +/- radiotherapy, was 69% and 73% at 5 years, respectively (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary alveolus and palate differs from other oral cancers in that the patients are relatively older with a slight female predilection. Treatment with surgery, with or without radiotherapy, appears to improve disease control.

Gingival Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Diagnostic Delay or Rapid Invasion?

BACKGROUND

The similarity between gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) and more common periodontal lesions may lead to a delay in diagnosis or misdiagnosis. Neoplastic lesions of gingival tissues are frequently diagnosed at an advanced stage.

METHODS

To assess the relative time from when patients first become aware of the problem to histopathologic diagnosis (total diagnostic time), 59 consecutive oral cancer cases were examined in this study. The following variables were considered: age, gender, smoking habits, tumor stage at diagnosis, and total diagnostic time. The median of the patients' total diagnostic time (1.5 months) was used as a cutoff point to distinguish between delayed and non-delayed cases. Analysis of the variables was undertaken using the Student t test and chi2 test, with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The total diagnostic time was <1.5 months for 75% of gingival carcinomas, 50% of tongue carcinomas, and 78% of floor-of-the-mouth carcinomas. It was >1.5 months for 25% of gingival carcinomas, 50% of tongue carcinomas, and 21% of floor-of-the-mouth carcinomas. No significant differences in time before diagnosis were found when gingival cancers were compared to other oral tumors (chi2=0.21; 95% CI=-0.40 to 0.26). However, by the time of diagnosis, gingival cancers had invaded adjacent structures more frequently than other oral cancers (chi2=13.51; 95% CI=0.18 to 0.85).

CONCLUSIONS

The gingival location of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was associated with advanced stages at the time of diagnosis, due to early invasion of contiguous bone tissue (T4-primary tumor). This would indicate that even earlier referral and diagnosis are necessary.

Prise en charge du carcinome épidermoïde de la gencive supérieure et du palais dur

PURPOSE

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine a rational of treatment of squamous-cell carcinoma of the upper gum and hard palate.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

We analyzed retrospectively a series of 34 patients treated over a period of 11 years.

RESULTS

There were 19 women (76%); mean age was 67.3 years; 76% had advanced tumors; 28% had neck nodes. The 5-year survival rate was 33.7%; patients without node involvement had better prognosis (p=0.034). The 5-year rate of recurrence-free survival was 61%; patients without node involvement had better prognosis (p = 0.032). At the end of the study, only 42% of patients were still alive.

DISCUSSION

This type of tumor is different from those of other locations in the oral cavity or oropharynx. At the present time, surgery associated or not with post-operative radiotherapy seems to be optimal curative treatment. The question of whether neck dissection should be performed remains debated for patients without clinically nodes.

Papillary Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presenting on the Gingiva

BACKGROUND

Papillary squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC) is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma. PSCC can occur as either an in situ or invasive tumor. The sites of occurrence in order of the most to least prevalent are the larynx, oropharynx, and nasopharynx. We present an unusual case of PSCC occurring on the gingiva.

METHODS

A 72-year-old white female presented with a chief complaint of tooth mobility in the right posterior mandible. Clinical examination revealed a Miller's Class 2 mobility of tooth #28 along with an erythematous, papillary appearance of the lingual gingiva on teeth #27, #28, and #29. Her dental history revealed treatment of tooth #28 with locally delivered antibiotics. Her medical history revealed a diagnosis of breast cancer 8 years prior to examination that was treated with partial mastectomy and radiation therapy. An initial differential clinical diagnosis of verrucous carcinoma or metastatic carcinoma was made.

RESULTS

Surgical therapy included extraction of tooth #28 and an excisional biopsy of the lesion on the lingual gingiva. Microscopic evaluation of the gingival specimen revealed a neoplastic papillary proliferation of the surface epithelium with a thick layer of parakeratin, deep parakeratin-lined crypts, and a thickened spinous cell layer along with islands and strands of malignant epithelium. The microscopic appearance of the lesion was characteristic for PSSC. The patient's tumor was removed via a block resection that included teeth #27 through #31 and a radical neck dissection.

CONCLUSIONS

This is a case report of PSCC occurring on the gingiva. This report demonstrates that, even though oral cancers involving the periodontium are a relatively rare occurrence, periodontists cannot be complacent about the diagnosis of periodontal bone loss. It also highlights the importance of utilizing a histopathologic examination to confirm the clinical diagnosis for any suspicious lesion.

Expression level of valosin-containing protein (VCP) as a prognostic marker for gingival squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Valosin-containing protein (VCP) is associated with anti-apoptotic function and metastasis via activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathway. In the present study, association of VCP expression with prognosis of gingival squamous cell carcinoma (GSCC) was examined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

VCP expression in 74 patients with GSCC (34 males and 40 females) with ages ranging from 42 to 85 (median 66) years was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, in which staining intensity in tumor cells was categorized as either weaker (level 1) or equal to/stronger (level 2) than that in the endothelial cells.

RESULTS

Twenty-four (32.4%) cases showed level 1 and 50 (67.6%) level 2 VCP expression. Patients with level 1 GSCC showed a significantly better 5-year survival rate than those with level 2 GSCC (5-year overall survival: 100% versus 84.9%, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed VCP expression level, lymph node metastasis and pT(TNM) to be independent factors for overall survival. Patients with GSCC at stages I and II showed favorable prognosis regardless of VCP expression status, whereas at stages III and IV, patients with level 1 VCP expression showed better survival rates than those with level 2 expression.

CONCLUSION

Prognostic significance of VCP expression level in GSCC was demonstrated.

The influence of the pattern of mandibular invasion on recurrence and survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Controversy exists over the predictive value of the presence and pattern of tumor invasion of the mandible in oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Many authors have questioned increasing the classification of small tumors to T4 on the basis of mandibular invasion alone. There are little data on the influence of the pattern of invasion on prognosis.

METHODS

We prospectively reviewed 100 consecutive mandibular resections for previously untreated oral SCC. Clinical and pathologic data collected included details of soft and hard tissue histologic findings. Outcomes included recurrence (local, regional, and distant metastases), disease-specific survival, and death from other causes. The median follow-up for survivors was 65 months.

RESULTS

Of 100 cases, 65 involved segmental and 35 involved marginal resections. Sixty-two percent of mandibles were invaded by tumor. Local recurrence occurred in 21% and was strongly correlated with tumor size, nodal involvement, and pattern of soft tissue invasion. The 5-year disease-specific survival was 68%, and the crude survival was 50%. Mandibular invasion predicted for recurrence and disease-specific survival, even after correcting for the effects of other variables. The pattern of mandibular invasion (erosive/infiltrative) was also predicted for recurrence and disease-specific survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in the presence of mandibular invasion, soft tissue factors are the most important determinants of prognosis. Upstaging tumors on the basis of mandibular invasion is justified. An infiltrative pattern of bone invasion is a marker of aggressive tumor biology and should be included in the pTNM classification.

Carcinoma espinocelular de gengiva: análise das imagens de sete casos

Os autores estudaram sete casos de carcinoma de gengiva atendidos no Serviço de Cirurgia de Cabeça e Pescoço e Otorrinolaringologia e no Serviço de Diagnóstico por Imagem do Complexo Hospitalar Heliópolis, São Paulo, SP, entre 1985 e 1996. Todos os casos eram carcinomas do tipo espinocelular. Os sete pacientes eram do sexo masculino (100%), com idade variando entre 48 e 72 anos (média de 57 anos). Exame de tomografia computadorizada foi realizado em seis (85,6%) dos sete pacientes. Quatro pacientes (57,1%) eram não tratados na ocasião do exame de imagem e três pacientes (42,8%) já tinham tido algum tipo de tratamento (cirurgia ou radioterapia). Além disso, os autores analisaram o local primário e as extensões locais para a mandíbula (5/7 casos; 71,4%), para o soalho da boca (3/7 casos; 42,8%), para o soalho do seio maxilar (1/7 casos; 14,2%) e para o trígono retromolar (1/7 casos; 14,2%). Linfonodos metastáticos foram observados em cinco pacientes (71,4%). Biópsia e exame histopatológico confirmaram todos os casos. Confrontação com achados cirúrgicos foi possível em cinco casos (71,4%).

Serendipitous diagnosis of protein S deficiency

A 46-year-old male sought periodontal care for a swelling on his right mandibular gingiva. An excisional biopsy revealed a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Surgical treatment consisted of a right segmental mandibulectomy with ipsilateral right neck dissection and fibular free flap reconstruction. Two days after the surgical procedure, a weakened Doppler signal suggested vascular compromise of the graft. The patient was returned to the operating room where complete thrombosis of the internal jugular vein (recipient vessel) was observed. This event prompted a complete hematological evaluation that disclosed low serum levels of protein S. The patient was started on systemic heparin and local medicinal leeches. A week later, systemic warfarin sodium was added and successfully resolved the vascular compromise of the graft. Two years later, the patient is active and lives a full life with occasional adjustments of warfarin sodium. This case represents the first report on the treatment of gingival carcinoma that led to the serendipitous discovery of an unrelated and unusual systemic condition, protein S deficiency.