Mouth Research Articles

History of Breast Cancer in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus: A Case–Control Study

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between oral lichen planus (OLP) and the history of cancer outside of oral cavity and the predominance of its location. Methods: This case–control study included 600 OLP patients and 600 control subjects evaluated in the same section, matched for age and sex to the OLP patients. OLP patients were diagnosed clinically and histologically. Initially, the prevalence of the most frequent types of cancers was described. A Pearson chi-squared test model was used to determine the association of cancer history and OLP. It was considered statistically significant whether p value was ≤0.05. The final multivariate regression model was built after applying a backward selection method to the complete multivariate model considering the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The history of cancer was significantly associated with OLP regardless of age, sex, tobacco and or alcohol use in both univariate [OR = 2.26 (95%CI: 1.26–4.24); p = 0.008] and multivariate analyses [OR = 2.21 (95%CI: 1.21–4.19); p = 0.012]. According to the location of cancer, there was an association between OLP and history of breast cancer [OR = 3.71 (95%CI = 1.03–13.38); p = 0.032]. Conclusions: This case–control study suggests a higher frequency of cancer, particularly breast cancer, among patients with OLP compared to the control group. Due to the study’s design and sample limitations, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Future longitudinal, multi-institutional studies with rigorous control for cancer history and other confounding factors are essential to further explore the association between OLP and cancer, particularly breast cancer.

Advances in Adhesive Materials for Oral and Maxillofacial Soft Tissue Diseases.

Oral diseases represent a prevalent global health burden, profoundly affecting patients' quality of life. Given the involvement of oral mucosa and muscles in diverse physiological functions, coupled with clinical aesthetics considerations, repairing oral and maxillofacial soft tissue defects poses a formidable challenge. Wet-adhesive materials are regarded as promising oral repair materials due to their unique advantages in easily overcoming physical and biological barriers in the oral cavity. This review first introduces the intricate wet-state environment prevalent in the oral cavity, meticulously explaining the fundamental physical and chemical adhesion mechanisms that underpin adhesive materials. It then comprehensively summarizes the diverse types of adhesives utilized in stomatology, encompassing polysaccharide, protein, and synthetic polymer adhesive materials. The review further evaluates the latest research advancements in utilizing these materials to treat various oral and maxillofacial soft tissue diseases, including oral mucosal diseases, periodontitis, peri-implantitis, oral and maxillofacial skin defects, and maxillofacial tumors. Finally, it also highlights the promising future prospects and pivotal challenges related to stomatology application of multifunctional adhesive materials.

Unusual Presentation of Oral DLBCL Resembling a Canine Fossa Abscess.

This report aims to describe a unique case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma originating from the oral cavity, which presented with symptoms mimicking a canine fossa abscess. It emphasizes the importance of accurate differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A 64-year-old female patient visited the authors' clinic with a painful swelling in the left anterior region of the maxilla, persisting for 1 month. Initially, an abscess drainage procedure was performed, accompanied by extraction of the maxillary left canine and parenteral antibiotherapy. However, no improvement was observed during the follow-up appointment after 3 days. An incisional biopsy was then conducted under local anesthesia, leading to a histopathologic diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The patient is currently under the care of the hematology department and receiving maintenance chemotherapy. Lymphomas occurring in the oral cavity are uncommon and may exhibit non-specific clinical features that resemble benign oral and dental conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive clinical evaluation is necessary to achieve an early and accurate diagnosis, with histopathologic examination being essential for suspicious lesions.

Epitope tagging with genome editing in mice reveals that the proton channel OTOP1 is apically localized and not restricted to Type III "sour" taste receptor cells.

The gustatory system allows animals to assess the nutritive value and safety of foods prior to ingestion. The first step in gustation is the interaction of taste stimuli with one or more specific sensory receptors, that are generally believed to be present on the apical surface of the taste receptor cells. However, this assertion is rarely tested. We recently identified OTOP1 as a proton channel and showed that it is required for taste response to acids (sour) and ammonium. Here we examined the cellular and subcellular localization of OTOP1 by tagging the endogenous OTOP1 protein with an N-terminal HA epitope (HA-OTOP1). Using both male and female HA-OTOP1 mice and high-resolution imaging, we show that OTOP1 is strictly localized to the apical tips of taste cells throughout the tongue and oral cavity. Interestingly, immunoreactivity is observed in the actin-rich taste pore above the tight junctions defined by Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and also immediately below these junctions. Surprisingly, OTOP1 immunoreactivity is not restricted to Type III taste receptor cells (TRCs) that mediate sour taste but is also observed in glia-like Type I TRCs proposed to perform housekeeping functions, a result that is corroborated by scRNA-seq data. The apical localization of OTOP1 supports the contention that OTOP1 functions as a taste receptor and suggests that OTOP1 may be accessible to orally available compounds that could act as taste modifiers.Significance Statement It is generally accepted that humans and other vertebrates can detect five basic tastes, each mediated by a unique receptor. Recently the receptor for sour taste was identified as the proton channel OTOP1. Here we show that OTOP1 is expressed at the apical surface of taste receptors cells, consistent with a sensory function. Surprisingly, OTOP1 is not restricted to Type III taste cells that detect sour tastes but is also expressed by glia-like taste cells, where it may play a role in removing excess protons. These results provide insight and tools applicable to understanding the contribution of OTOP1 to cell physiology and pathology in other contexts where the channel is expressed such as in the vestibular system.

Natural Amelioration of Chocolate-Induced Acidity: The Role of Pineapple in Maintaining Oral pH Balance

The consumption of chocolate, especially varieties high in sugar, can disrupt the delicate pH balance in the oral cavity, increasing the risk of dental caries. Pineapple, with its rich enzymatic and organic acid profile, presents a potential natural solution to counteract this acidic challenge. This study investigates the efficacy of pineapple consumption in mitigating the pH-lowering effects of chocolate and its impact on saliva volume, a crucial factor in maintaining oral health. A quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group approach was employed. Participants included children aged 6-9 years (n=40), divided into two groups: a control group (chocolate consumption only) and an intervention group (chocolate consumption followed by pineapple consumption). Saliva volume and pH were measured before and after treatment, and the data were analyzed using paired t-tests. Pineapple consumption significantly increased saliva volume in the intervention group (from 2.01±1.29 mL to 5.3±0.88 mL, p<0.05), exceeding the volume observed in the control group. Furthermore, the decrease in saliva pH in the intervention group (from 7.45±0.13 to 6.25±0.37) was more controlled compared to the control group (from 7.30±0.09 to 5.28±0.25). In conclusion, the consumption of pineapple after chocolate effectively stimulates saliva production and helps maintain a balanced oral pH, mitigating the acidic effects of chocolate and potentially reducing the risk of dental caries. These findings suggest the potential of pineapple as a natural, dietary approach to support oral health.

A case report of nasal lobular capillary hemangioma and its management

Nasal lobular capillary hemangioma is a benign vascular lesion marked by epistaxis and nasal obstruction. The nasal cavity is a relatively rare location as lobular capillary hemangiomas commonly occur in the oral cavity. They are termed as lobular capillary hemangioma based on the histopathological features of anastomosing capillary networks arranged in lobular architechture. We report a case of 40 year old female with history of left nasal obstruction and recurrent epistaxis since 2 months. Examination of nose revealed a protruding reddish coloured mass on the left side and CT scan of nose and paranasal sinuses showed the mass arising from the anterior part of nasal septum along with nasal spur. Patient underwent surgical excision of the mass along with spur removal under general anesthesia. Histopathology demonstrated vascular proliferative lesion consistent with hemangioma. The diagnosis of capillary hemangioma must always be taken into account while considering the differential diagnosis of bleeding mass in the nasal cavity.

Study on bionic mineralization of dentin using gallic acid as a linker for calcium phosphate nanocluster formation and collagen modification

Dentin hypersensitivity and dental caries are prevalent symptoms and diseases in the oral cavity that markedly affect quality of life. The etiology of these conditions is directly or indirectly associated with the process of dentin demineralization and exposure. It is therefore imperative to identify an effective method for mineralizing demineralized dentin and sealing exposed dentin tubules. This study examines the potential of gallic acid, a polyphenol with a strong affinity for type I collagen, as a building block for calcium phosphate nanoclusters, with varying ratios of gallic acid to calcium. The objective is to utilize gallic acid as a linker to facilitate the docking, deposition, and mineralization of calcium phosphate nanoclusters and type I collagen. The study revealed that when the ratio of calcium to gallic acid was 0.05, calcium phosphate nanoclusters with an approximate particle size of 11.62 nm were formed. The nanoclusters were observed to effectively mineralize the intrafibrillar and interfibrillar spaces of type I collagen fibers, as well as the dentin itself. Following the mineralization treatment, the mechanical properties of the demineralized dentin were restored, and the depth of dentin tubule occlusion of 46.84 ± 12.83 μm, significantly reducing the permeability of dentin. This strategy demonstrates potential for clinical applications in the restoration of demineralized dentin and the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

The Role of Panendoscopy in Primary Diagnostics of Patients with Oral Cavity Cancer

Abstract Purpose Panendoscopy is known as a standard procedure in the staging of oral cavity cancer (OCC), which is intended to rule out synchronous second carcinomas (SSC) (Metzger K et al in J Craniomaxillofac Surg 47(12):1968–1972, 2019; Priante et al. in Curr Oncol Rep 13(2):132–137, 2011; Stoeckli et al. in Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 124(2):208–212, 2001; Sharma et al in Laryngorhinootologie 92(3):166–169, 2013). However, the value in relation to the detection of SSC in the upper aerodigestive tract is questionable (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Mund- Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie (DGMKG), S3-Leitlinie Diagnostik und Therapie des Mundhöhlenkarzinoms. https://www.leitlinienprogramm-onkologie.de/leitlinien/mundhoehlenkarzinom/, 2021). The aim of the study was to redefine the role of panendoscopy in the staging of OCC—not only with regard to the detection of SSC—as the arrangement of panendoscopy is subject to further influencing factors. In addition, the diagnostic added value and effects on the therapy of the index tumor were elicited. Material and methods A retrospective review of 191 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of OCC was conducted, between January 2018 and December 2019, at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the clinic of the Technical University of Munich, Germany. Panendoscopy included inspection and palpation of the oral cavity and oropharynx, epipharyngoscopy, microlaryngoscopy, and rigid esophagoscopy. Results The following parameters had a statistically significant influence on the decision to perform panendoscopy in primary diagnostics: risk factors, ENT status, and imaging. Panendoscopy was indicated in the primary diagnostics due to a suspicion of an SSC in 22.5% of patients and due to recurrence in 29%. The exact determination of localization and assessment of tumor extent was the decisive indicator for panendoscopy in 25.8% of patients. Of the 31 panendoscopies performed, a tissue sample was obtained in 67.7% (n = 21); none of the suspected cases proved to be an SSC. Conclusion Panendoscopy in the primary diagnostics of OCC should not be routinely indicated (Koerdt et al in Anticancer Res 41(4):2039–2044, 2021), but should be indicated on an as-needed basis, taking patient-specific criteria into account. In addition to ENT status and imaging, the risk factors of smoking and alcohol should be considered. In patients with unremarkable mirror and radiological findings and no risk factors, panendoscopy can be omitted without further risk (Metzger K et al in J Craniomaxillofac Surg 47(12):1968–1972, 2019; Koerdt et al in Anticancer Res 41(4):2039–2044, 2021).

Influence of Health System Affiliation and Pain Manifestation on Advanced Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk: A Retrospective Cohort Study in a Latin American Population

Background/Objectives: Oral cavity cancer, a subtype of head and neck cancer, is one of the most common malignancies globally. This study assessed the influence of health system affiliation and pain manifestation on the risk of advanced oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) in a Latin American population. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed medical records from 2015 to 2016, including data from the past 19 years, of 233 patients with OCSCC treated at a public hospital in Medellín, Colombia. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were evaluated, and multivariate regression models incorporated variables significant in bivariate analysis. Results: Among 233 patients, 196 (84.1%) had advanced OCSCC. The sample had a mean age of 63 ± 13 years, 53.6% were male, and 64% came from urban areas with predominantly low socioeconomic levels. Men showed a threefold increased risk of advanced OCSCC (95% CI: 1.3–6.8), while patients referred to pain clinics exhibited a 19.5 times higher risk (95% CI: 2.3–159.5). Patients in the subsidized health system or without health insurance had 2.6 (95% CI: 1.07–6.3) and 2.7 times (95% CI: 1.17–6.4) higher risks, respectively. Conclusions: This study found that male patients, referrals to pain clinics, and subsidized or no health system affiliation significantly increased the risk of advanced OCSCC.

Baş-Boyun Kanserlerinde Tek Merkez Setüksimab Deneyimi

"Exploring the Impact of Cetuximab in Head and Neck Cancers: Insights from a Single-Center Experience" Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are cancers originating from epithelial cells of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. It is known to be the seventh most common cancer worldwide. Approximately 5% of patients are diagnosed in the metastatic stage. Within the first 2 years; approximately 50-60% of patients who complete primary treatment returning with relapse. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Cetuximab, an anti-epidermal growth factor (EGFR) which used for recurrent unrezektabl or metastatic HNSCC. The study included 38 patients. 33 (86,8%) of them were male and 5 (13,2%) were female. Median age was 55,5 years. Mean follow-up period was 14,95±18,17 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) of the patients was 4,6 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 7,1 months. We found shorter survival times compared to current literature studies. However the rate of metastatic patients and the rate of patients who had previously received chemotherapy were high in our study.

Rare case of low-grade fibro-myxoid sarcoma presenting as a lateral neck swelling

Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is an uncommon malignancy. LGFMS is more likely to affect the trunk and extremities in young adults. However, sporadic cases have been reported in many areas of the head and neck region, including the oral cavity, larynx, and oropharynx. LGFMS typically shows areas of collagenized, myxoid stroma with spindle cell appearance in a rolling pattern. Accurate diagnosis is challenging because it can be mistaken for a simple neoplastic entity of round cells. A few cases of LGFMS which have been reported in the head and neck showing that LGFMS is characterized by local recurrence and metastases. Because of the rarity of the head and neck region, there are no specific treatment guidelines or follow-up. Our study presents LGFMS in a 54-year-old patient in the neck region who underwent surgery and was followed up for one year.

Enhancing Effective Scanning Techniques for Digital Impression in Neonates with Cleft Lip and/or Palate: A Laboratory Study Investigating the Impact of Different Scanners, Scanning Tip Sizes, and Strategies

Background/Objectives: Digital impressions are increasingly used to manage Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P), potentially offering advantages over traditional methods. This laboratory investigation sought to evaluate the impact of scanning tip sizes, different scanners, and scanning strategies on intraoral scanning in neonates with CL/P. Methods: Ten soft acrylic models were used to simulate the oral anatomy of neonates with CL/P, evaluating parameters such as the ability of different scanning tips to capture alveolar cleft depth, scanning time, number of scan stops, and scan quality. The study utilised various scanning tips, including the Carestream normal tip, Carestream side tip, and Trios 4 scanner tip to assess the alveolar cleft depth measurements. The Trios 4, Carestream, and iTero scanners were evaluated for the time taken, number of scan stops during cleft-unobstructed scanning and cleft-obstructed scanning. The quality of all scanned images was analysed. Results: The findings showed comparable accuracy in capturing alveolar cleft depth with the three-scanning tip (p > 0.05). Scanning time and the number of scan stops did not significantly differ across the three scanners and various scanning strategies employed (p > 0.05). However, scanning with the cleft obstructed required less time and resulted in fewer scan stops compared to cleft -unobstructed scanning. Despite these results, all scanners failed to record the deepest part of the alveolar cleft, highlighting a limitation in current scanning technology for neonates with CL/P. Conclusions: The study recommends enhancing intraoral scanning in this population by adjusting tip size, improving clinician training, optimizing protocols, and conducting further research to improve techniques.

A Lipoma of Large Proportion in the Oral Cavity: A Case Report

Background Lipoma is a benign neoplasm that can affect the whole body and rarely occurs in the oral cavity. It is slow-growing and asymptomatic, and conservative surgical treatment with total removal of the lesion is the treatment of choice. It originates from epithelial cells of mature adipose tissue. Case Presentation The aim of this study was to report a clinical case of a large lipoma in a 21-year-old male patient with melanoderma who presented a nodule in the region of the buccal vestibule extending from the region of the second molar to the ipsilateral canine, with an approximate size of 40 mm in its largest diameter in the anteroposterior direction and approximately 20 mm in diameter in the buccolingual direction. The initial diagnostic hypothesis was based on an ultrasound of the face, which detected a solid, circumscribed, echogenic nodule compatible with a lipoma of the face. Surgical treatment with excisional biopsy was chosen. The histopathological examination revealed fragments with the presence of discrete acanthosis and clear hyperkeratosis in the epithelium, along with the proliferation of mature adipocytes constituting a neoplastic parenchyma surrounded by a stroma. Conclusion The findings have confirmed the diagnosis of oral lipoma. The patient has evolved with a good prognosis and remained under follow-up without recurrence or sequelae. The present report has corroborated what has been observed in similar cases described in the literature regarding recurrence and excellent prognosis.

Impact of mental health on burden of illness, septicemia and mortality among patients hospitalized for cancer

Mental health problems are increasingly relevant for cancer patients struggling with the disease and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to further characterize and contrast variances between Mental illness (MI)—cognitive disorders—and clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized in the United States in 2017 for the treatment of prostate (PC), lung (LC), leukemia, and oral cavity, lip, and pharyngeal cancers (OPC). While accounting for patient and clinical characteristics, we used generalized linear models to evaluate the association between MI and outcomes––mortality, septicemia, weight loss, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, and illness burden (length of stay (LOS) and total charges). There were 16,910 (Weighted, original numbers) patients with MI among 209,410 PC patients. In the adjusted analysis, PC patients with MI had a prolonged LOS, coefficient: 1.52; 1.41–1.64. In addition, MI were associated with increased odds of septicemia (1.36; 1.22–1.51), weight loss (1.38; 1.23–1.56), and fluid and electrolyte imbalance (1.33; 1.21–1.53). These findings were comparable for the lung, leukemia, and oral cavity, lip, and pharyngeal cancers. In addition, unlike other cancer cohorts, MI were associated with increased odds of in-hospital mortality in PC patients, 1.42, 1.21–1.58. Patients diagnosed with cancer who also suffered from cognitive impairments had poor clinical outcomes. The findings of this study bring to light a gap in the existing literature on cancer, and the recommendations emphasize the significance of psychosocial support in reaching a more favorable prognosis and improving quality of life.

Engineering and Clinical Study of Surface Geometry of Clear Aligners at the Nanoscale

This paper investigates the evolution of the outer surface geometry of Invisalign®—clear orthodontic aligners—caused by degradation triggered by wearing. The obtained results served to confirm whether or not the aligners could continue to be used once their wear time in the therapeutic procedure had ended, taking both their geometric and mechanical features into account. The measurements were performed using atomic force microscopy which allowed the mapping of nanomechanical properties. The obtained images were then processed to determine statistical and functional surface geometry parameters in accordance with relevant ISO standards. The results revealed that the unrepeatability of the manufacturing process causes the surface shape parameters of new aligners to be irregular; however, these features become gradually consistent for worn samples. On the other hand, properly used aligners may change in two ways: the outer layer flattens and its thickness decreases, and at the same time the Young’s modulus of the material decreases. It follows that the degradation processes may be caused by tribological phenomena (abrasion of contact surfaces) and/or biochemical phenomena (biofilm growth, decomposition of the material under the influence of enzymes in the oral cavity).

Scutellaria baicalensis and its flavonoids in the treatment of digestive system tumors

Scutellaria baicalensis has been used for the treatment of digestive system disorders for thousands of years in China and other regions. Modern research have revealed its therapeutic efforts in digestive system tumors. Thus, to review the updated progress of S. baicalensis and its main flavonoids in the treatment of digestive system tumors in the past 10 years, this article summarized the therapeutic effect and molecular mechanisms of S. baicalensis and its 5 flavonoids on tumors in oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, liver, pancreas by inhibiting tumor cell proliferation, inducing autophagy, stimulating immune response, and increasing drug sensitivity. In conclusion, S. baicalensis and its flavonoids could be applied to treat digestive system tumors with different type of methods.

Evaluation of salivary total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women

Menopause is a natural and expected stage of development that occurs in the life of a woman and is characterized by the permanent end of menstruation. Ovarian dysfunction is a result of permanent alterations to the ovaries’ reproductive and hormonal activities. The reproductive system of a woman is not the only thing that is impacted by fluctuations in hormone levels. Hormones have powerful influence on the development of the skeleton and the mouth cavity, as well as on the integrity of these structures. The oral cavity is significantly affected by them. Different stages of a woman’s life, such as puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, each have their own unique impact on the oral health. Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, with the former making it possible for living cells to sustain damage. Lipid peroxidation and the subsequent breakdown products, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), are formed, and these compounds can be observed in biological fluids. Total antioxidant capacity is a term that is frequently used to refer to the antioxidant activity of the “nonspecific” antioxidant pool.The objective: to assess of salivary total antioxidant capacity, salivary malondialdehyde, salivary pH in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women and correlation between pH and salivary biomarkers. Materials and methods. A case-control study was conducted in 80 healthy women. The study included 80 females between the ages of 40 and 55 years; specifically, 40 persons were premenopausal and 40 women were postmenopausal.In the saliva of the patients, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and MDA level were determined using the immunoassay method, and the pH level was also studied. Data description, analysis and presentation were performed using Statistical Package for social Science (SPSS version 22, Chicago, Illinois, USA). Results. The findings indicated that the pH value in the post-menopausal group was significantly higher than that of the pre-menopausal group. In comparison to the post-menopausal group, the pre-menopausal group exhibited a significantly higher level of TAC. While MDA level was significantly greater in the post-menopausal group than in the pre-menopausal group. A significant correlation of salivary pH with biomarkers of TAC and MDA of saliva was found, but there was no significant correlation between MDA and TAC in premenopausal women. On the other hand, there is a non-significant negative correlation between salivary TAC and pH level, as well as an insignificant correlation of MDA with pH and salivary TAC in postmenopausal patients. Conclusions. There are differences in salivary total antioxidant capacity and malondialdehyde level between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.

Oral pathology in a population observed within an oral cancer screening developed in Portugal.

Oral cancer is a global public health problem. Late diagnosis leads to treatment delays, which consequently result in a worse prognosis and a decrease in the 5-year survival rate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the oral pathology in a population observed within an oral cancer screening developed in Portugal. Oral cancer opportunistic screening activities were conducted by the non-profit organization Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro ‑ Núcleo Regional do Sul (LPCC-NRS) and data collection occurred between March and December 2022. Participants completed an anonymous questionnaire to collect sociodemographic data and lifestyle habits, followed by a clinical examination of the oral cavity. All individuals classified with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD), or suspected lesions of malignant neoplasia were subsequently contacted between January and February 2023 and were questioned about undergoing a biopsy and its respective pathological examination result. Descriptive and analytical statistics were applied. A total of 2674 participants with a mean age of 57 years were screened. Fordyce granules (16.30%) were the most common non-pathological condition, and hairy tongue (11.04%) was the most frequently observed benign lesion. Leukoplakia (43.58%) was the most common oral potentially malignant disorder. Additionally, histological confirmation was obtained for the presence of 4 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), representing 0.15% of all population screened. Although benign pathology is the most frequently found, oral potentially malignant disorders and suspected malignant lesions were identified in 6.3% of participants in these oral cancer screenings. In this regard, we conclude that the oral cancer screening actions developed by LPCC-NRS were effective in identifying positive cases of OPMDs and oral cancer, using an intraoral visual examination of the oral cavity.

Quality of Life Description for Elderly Patients Using Dentures

Background: One of the key components of the stomatognathic system is the teeth. Health professionals are concerned about the public's understanding of the importance of oral and dental examinations. The fact that only a very small number of Indonesians receive dental and oral care when they have dental and oral problems proves this. The aging process is a natural event that no one can completely avoid. People aged 60 years or older are considered elderly. Tooth loss is a result of this process, which impacts the teeth and periodontal tissues. The activities and functions of the oral cavity can be disrupted if tooth loss is not treated, thereby reducing the quality of life. Another option is to use dentures. Objective: The quality of life of elderly patients who use dentures is currently unknown. Therefore, through this research, we want to know how the quality of life of elderly patients who use dentures is described. Method: This type of research is descriptive, with a cross-sectional research design. The number of subjects was determined using the total sample, snowball method. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents in the form of a google form. Results: The results of this research can be seen through tables based on the answers to the questionnaire given to elderly respondents. The majority of elderly respondents seemed satisfied and comfortable with using dentures. This is based on findings from answers from the elderly. Conclusion: The quality of life of elderly denture users is included in the good category.

Synergistic Inhibition of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Biyan Qingdu Granule and Micro-Radiation: An Experimental Study

Objective: To investigate the role of Biyan Qingdu Granule combined with micro-radiation in suppressing nasopharyngeal carcinoma and to explore its mechanism of action. Methods: FAT cells of nasopharyngeal carcinoma were injected into the hind limb axilla of F344 rats to establish a rat nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumor model. X-ray radiation was applied to the oral cavity of the rats, delivering a micro-dose of radiation to the distant hind limb axilla tumor. The general condition of the rats, including oral mucosal inflammation, the size of the nasopharyngeal tumor mass, pathological changes in the tumor tissue, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, IL-12, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in the tumor tissue, were assessed. Results: Oral administration of Biyan Qingdu Granule improved the rats’ overall condition and reduced oral mucosal inflammation. Pathological examination revealed tumor cell degeneration and necrosis. ELISA analysis of tumor tissue showed significant reductions in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 levels, along with a notable increase in IL-18 levels. Conclusion: Biyan Qingdu Granule, when combined with micro-radiation, can inhibit tumor growth and reduce tumor volume. Its mechanism of action may involve enhancing immune function and suppressing inflammatory factors.