Manifestations of Head and Neck Cancer in Patients With Plummer-Vinson Syndrome: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical manifestations of head and neck cancer in patients with Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS) and to assess related oral comorbidities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Case reports covering head and neck cancer manifestations in patients diagnosed with PVS were included Studies were identified through seven main electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, LILACS, and LIVIVO), and a search for gray literature was performed using ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and Google Scholar. Independent reviewers applied predefined eligibility criteria in a two-phase selection process.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 19,183 citations identified, seven met the inclusion criteria. Prevalent symptoms included dysphagia and esophageal webs, with atrophic glossitis and angular cheilitis being common oral manifestations. Most patients presented with long-standing iron deficiency anemia. Head and neck cancers predominantly affected the pharynx and tongue borders, with younger age groups notably affected. The overall risk of bias attributable to the quality of the reports was assessed as "low".

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the rarity of PVS-related head and neck cancer, this review underscores its association, particularly in younger patients. A thorough examination of dysphagia and oral manifestations in PVS patients is crucial for early detection and prevention of head and neck cancer.

Clinical and thermographic evaluation after lower third molar extractions and the application of different photobiomodulation protocols: double-blind randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

to compare the parameters of pain, oedema, temperature, and soft tissue closure in dental sockets that received two different photobiomodulation (PBM) protocols following extractions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one participants had their teeth 38 and 48 extracted. Subsequently, one of the dental sockets received PBM at a wavelength (WL) of 808 nanometers (808 group- nm) and the other dental socket received the PBM at WLs of 808 nm and 660 nm, simultaneously (808 + 660 group). The PBM was applied immediately after the surgical procedure and on the 3rd and 7th days.

RESULTS

The mean of Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) values for pain were 1.45 for the 3rd day and 0.52 for the 7th day in the 808 + 660 and 808 group, respectively. The mean the pogonion-tragus measurement, used to assess facial oedema on the 3rd day, was 15.38 cm (range 13.5-17.5) in the 808 + 660 group and 15.48 cm (range 14.0-17.5) in the 808 group. The mean facial temperatures in the 808 + 660 group were 34.9 degrees Celsius (ºC) (range 33.5-36.4) on the 3rd day and 35 ºC (range 33.4-36.4) on the 7th day. In the 808 group, the mean temperatures were 34.9 ºC (range 33.9-36.2) on the 3rd day and 34.9 ºC (33.7-36.2) on the 7th day. Regarding the dimensions of the dental socket, the mean were similar for both groups. Significant differences between the groups were only observed in the pain parameter and only on the 7th day, being greater for the 808 + 660 group (p = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of the 660 nm with 808 nm, and the increase in energy did not showed more benefits in pain reduction oedema, or acceleration of the closure of the soft tissues of the dental sockets of lower third molars, in the protocols used here.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

There is no need to combine lasers at wavelengths of 660 and 808 nm to reduce oedema, pain and repair of soft tissues after extraction of lower third molars.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) with the following code: RBR-66pyrh8, on 29th December, 2022.