Prognostic factors of survival rate in oral squamous cell carcinoma: clinical, histologic, genetic and molecular concepts

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) represents 95% of all forms of head and neck cancers. The five-year survival rate of OSCC patients has been reported approximately 50%, which is not satisfactory despite new treatment modalities. The aim of the current review is to present factors (histologic, clinical, genetic and molecular biomarkers) correlated with survival rate in OSCC patients. A web-based search for all types of articles published was initiated using MEDLINE/PubMed. The search was restricted to articles focusing on relevant clinical, histologic, genetic and molecular factors of survival rate in OSCC and presenting new concepts in this field. Mode of invasion, presence of lymph node metastasis, extra-capsular spread, surgical margins and invasive tumor front grade are clinical and histologic parameters, which are strongly associated with survival rate. Focusing on selected proteins, wide range of molecular markers and gene alterations involving in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, cell migration, cell adhesion and tumor microenvironment have been documented. Among well-known molecular markers, cyclin dependent kinase, survivin, CD44, BUBR1, and heat shock proteins (27,70) can be considered as independent prognostic factors of survival rate. The identified prognostic factors imply a relatively comprehensive understanding of factors related to survival rate in OSCC patients, and provide an additional tool for selecting patients who need more aggressive treatment design.

Desmoplastic ameloblastoma (a hybrid variant): report of a case and review of the literature

Desmoplastic ameloblastoma is an unusual type of ameloblastoma with special histologic and radiographic features and anatomic distribution which differs from those in the classic type of ameloblastoma. The purpose of this article is to assist the dental community in better understanding of this variation of odontogenic tumor. We present a patient with desmoplastic and conventional variant of ameloblastoma (hybrid lesion) localized in the anterior portion of the mandible. The tumor was expansile and painless. The radiographic finding showed an ill-defined mixed (radiopaque/radiolucent) lesion between roots of the lower left canine and the lateral incisor. Marginal resection was performed. Follow-up examination one year later revealed no recurrence of the tumor. Desmoplastic variant of ameloblastoma tends to infiltrate between bone trabeculae. Curettage leaves islands of the tumor within bone, which later manifest as recurrences. Therefore, for big lesions en bloc excision is the most widely used treatment to avoid recurrence.

Adenoid ameloblastoma with dentinoid: a case report

Adenoid ameloblastoma with dentinoid is a rare odontogenic tumor showing histopathologic features similar to ameloblastoma and adenomatoid odontogenic tumor along with hard tissue formation. In this report, a 19-year-old female with a maxillary tumor, microscopically consistent with previously reported cases of adenoid ameloblastoma with dentinoid is presented.

Postradiation malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the maxillary sinus

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in adults. The common sites of involvement are the retroperitoneal space and limbs. The occurrence of this tumor in the head and neck is rare. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence of malignant fibrous histiocytoma in the head and neck can follow radiotherapy for the treatment of other tumors. We, herein, report a case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma, which developed 17 years after radiotherapy of a carcinoma in the maxillary sinus.

Type of food and risk of oral cancer

Cancer is the eventual outcome of the interaction between genetic factors and environmental exposures. Nutrition and diet, as environmental factors and determinants of growth and body composition can contribute to the risk of some human cancers such as oral cancer. This article explains the ways of carcinogenesis and the effect of diet on this process, especially focusing on head, neck, and oral cancers. To reduce the risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma, the most common oral cancer, diet must be optimized, primarily to reduce calorie intake, monounsaturated fat, and red or processed meat. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and cereals, which are the major source of vitamins and fiber, should be adequate in the daily diet. Optimal levels of daily allowance of micronutrients like vitamin C, E, antioxidants, zinc, beta-carotene, and folate are effective in prevention of oral cancer. Consumption of fried or broiled foods and employment of microwave cooking, because of formation of heterocyclic amines, must be avoided because of increasing risks of oral cancer including the salivary gland tumors.

Publication of the first journal of dentistry in Iran

The first scientific journal of dentistry in Iran was published by the "Iranian Dentists' Syndicate" (called in Persian "Sandikay-e Dandanpezeshkan-e Iran") in 1951. A brief account of the journal and its editorial board is presented here.