Awareness of oral cancer in the Mersey region

The purpose of this study was to assess the levels of awareness and knowledge about oral cancer in the Liverpool area. This included the awareness of oral cancer compared to other cancers, risk factors, symptoms and where people would go to seek advice in the event of experiencing oral cancer symptoms. Five hundred and thirty-five people agreed to take part in a street survey that was done in four locations (Liverpool city centre, Bootle, Crosby, and Southport). A quota sampling approach was used to achieve a reasonable balance by sex, age, and locality. When asked without prompting to name all the cancers they had heard of, oral cancer was stated first by only 1%; it was given within the first three responses by 4%, and by 11% overall. Cervical cancer was mentioned without prompting by 22%, and two-thirds thought that it was more common than oral cancer. When asked without prompting 74% were aware that smoking could be a likely cause, but only 21% mentioned alcohol. Without prompting, 35% said that a non-healing mouth ulcer was a symptom of oral cancer. When asked without prompting what they would do if a painful mouth ulcer had lasted for more than three weeks, 61% said they would see their doctor and 27% their dentist, which is encouraging.     

Surgical anatomy of the submental artery perforator flap and assessment for application in postoperative reconstruction following oral cancer surgery: a prospective clinical study

The submental artery perforator flap (SMAPF) has an elongated pedicle, allowing good cosmetic outcomes to be achieved following oral reconstruction surgery. The improper dissection of perforators often leads to a vascular flap crisis. To avoid this, some surgeons choose to carry amounts of connective tissue around the pedicle. However the inclusion of connective tissue on the pedicle raises concerns about oncological safety. A surgical anatomical study of the submental vessel patterns and subdivisions of the cervical level I lymph nodes was conducted on 33 patients with primary oral cancer who underwent reconstruction with a SMAPF after tumour resection. The variations in vessels and cervical level I lymph nodes observed during SMAPF harvesting were recorded and analyzed. Two patterns of submental artery perforators and three patterns of submental veins were identified. The different characteristics of the lymph node distribution were elucidated for five subdivisions. All SMAPFs survived (n = 33, 100%); however, two SMAPFs exhibited partial losses. The 3-year survival rate of patients was 84.5 ± 6.4%, and there were no suspected flap-related recurrences. With detailed anatomical information on the vascular system and lymph node subdivision, SMAPFs are a reliable choice for postoperative reconstruction following oral cancer surgery, meeting the standards for oncological safety.     

Outcome of salvage procedures for recurrent oral and oropharyngeal cancer

Despite advances in the primary treatment of oral and oropharyngeal cancer, many patients develop local or regional recurrence, or both, and when radiotherapy has already been used, operation provides the best chance of salvage for these patients. We have looked at the outcomes of salvage procedures in a single unit, including improved survival, morbidity, and treatment-related quality of life. Patients treated with salvage procedures were identified from a prospectively-completed database. Overall and disease-free survival were analysed using Kaplan–Meier curves and logrank tests. Functional, social, and emotional outcomes were assessed using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaires. Twenty-nine patients were identified, of whom 24 had free flap reconstructions, and their estimated mean overall survival was 25 months (95% CI 20.4 to 29.2). Disease-free survival was significantly worse in patients with stage IV recurrences or in whom resection margins were close or invaded. Permanent gastrostomy was required in 15/29 patients, and four/29 needed a permanent tracheostomy. Answers to questionnaires showed that a large proportion of patients had considerable problems with speech, chewing, swallowing, and appearance. The decision on whether to treat recurrent head and neck cancer is a balance between improving survival and poor functional outcomes. The extent of disease and whether clear surgical margins can be achieved should be considered when treatment is recommended.     

Identification and characterization of novel human papillomaviruses in oral rinse samples from oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer patients

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to: I) discover novel human papillomaviruses (HPVs) using next generation sequencing (NGS) technology in oral rinse samples collected from oral cavity cancer (OCC) and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) patients; II) determine the prevalence of novel HPVs in archived OCC and OPC tissue samples; and III) examine the frequency of novel oncogenic HPVs in cancer and non-cancer oral rinse samples using real-time PCR.MethodsOral rinse samples were collected from 100 head and neck cancer patients, and 110 healthy individuals. NGS techniques were used to detect novel HPVs.ResultsThree potentially new types of HPV were discovered. Novel virus (NV) 14.4 was closely related to HPV76 with an 89% homology and is a member of the genus Beta-papillomavirus (β-PV); NV69.1 was distantly related to the genus Alpha-papillomavirus (α-PV), and NV95 was closely related to HPV147 with a 65–77% homology and is part of the genus Gamma-papillomavirus (γ-PV). In archived oral tissue samples, NV14.4 was detected in a single patient with OCC. Of the oral rinse samples, NV69.1 was more prevalent than the other two NVs.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that there are novel HPVs present in oral rinse samples that may be associated with OCC and OPC. These novel HPVs can be identified and characterized using NGS techniques.     

Dental attendance of oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients in a public hospital in Western Australia

Background: Dentists have recently seen the introduction of devices which aim to facilitate early oral cancer detection, sparking interest in opportunistic oral cancer screening. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of regular dental attendance amongst high risk individuals. The purpose of this study was to obtain information pertaining to dental attendance of oral and oropharyngeal cancer patients. Methods: All records of patients referred to the Oral Medicine Clinic at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, between January 2005 and December 2009, from one major teaching hospital were examined. Information extracted included age, gender, smoking status, referral date, tumour type, tumour site, disease stage (TNM classification), and information on dental attendance. Outcomes measured included time (months) since the patient’s last dental visit and information concerning regularity of dental attendance. Results: No association was found between dental attendance and gender, smoking, disease stage or age at diagnosis. Most patients had not visited a dentist in the preceding 12 months. The mean date of last dental visit was 5.6 years prior. Conclusions: More should be done in Australia to encourage patients at high risk of oral cancer to attend the dentist and undergo annual oral soft tissue examination.     

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: a case series analysis of clinical presentation and histological grading of 1,425 cases from Iraq

Peoples in Iraq face a mixture of health hazards associated with poverty. Oral cancer is a major public health issue worldwide; it remains a highly lethal and disfiguring disease. It is primarily a disease of epithelial origin. A total of 1,425 cases of histologically diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma collected from the main centers of pathology in Iraq were analyzed according to age, sex, site, patient complaints at the time of presentation, and histological grading. Patients at their fifth decade of life were the most commonly affected with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. The lower lip was the most commonly affected site followed by the tongue. The most common clinical complain was ulceration and swelling. More than 70% of the cases were well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Oral cancer is increasingly seen as a major health problem—In line with general trend in the region, the need for interprofessional health care delivery approaches for reducing oral cancer mortality and improving patient’s quality of life.     

Identifying appearance-related concerns in routine follow-up clinics following treatment for oral and oropharyngeal cancer

Facial disfigurement can be a consequence of treatment for oral or oropharyngeal cancer. Patients' concerns about appearance and the impact this has on quality of life are very important, but are often not recognised in a busy outpatient clinic. We aimed to assess concerns about appearance using the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire version 4 (UW-QoL) and the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI), a self-administered questionnaire that allows patients to choose what they would like to discuss in their consultation. Prospective data were collected from 204 patients who attended routine follow-up clinics from August 2007 to mid-July 2009. Fifty-seven percent were male, 68% had cancer of the oral cavity, 78% had clinical T1-T2 tumours, 19% had node positive tumours, 44% had had radiotherapy since diagnosis, and 48% had had free-flap reconstructive surgery. They all completed the questionnaires using touch-screen computer technology at 454 clinic appointments. Appearance was raised on the inventory at 9% (42/454) of clinics, and at 10% (47/454) it was indicated as a serious problem on the UW-QoL questionnaire. Concerns about appearance were raised on the inventory or were shown to be a serious problem on the UW-QoL in 14% (64/454) of patients. The main factors associated with those who reported concerns about appearance were age (younger patients), sex (female), T stage (III and IV), and site (oropharynx). Patients who choose concerns about appearance for discussion on the UW-QoL questionnaire and not on the PCI risk being missed if only the PCI is completed. Both tools compliment the screening of patients who have problems with facial disfigurement; failure to identify them can have serious clinical and psychosocial implications.     

存活蛋白在口腔鳞状细胞癌中的表达及意义

目的 探讨存活蛋白(survivin)与口腔鳞状细胞癌发生和预后的相关性.方法 收集口腔鳞状细胞癌21例(试验组)及良性肿物10例(对照组)的口腔脱落细胞、唾液、血清及组织,应用酶联免疫吸附测定和实时定量聚合酶链式反应技术检测标本中存活蛋白及mRNA表达.结果 试验组脱落细胞的存活蛋白表达质量浓度[(43.93±33.30) ng/L]显著高于对照组[(8.49±3.73)ng/L] (P＜0.01);口腔脱落细胞存活蛋白表达浓度随淋巴结转移而升高(P＜0.05);口腔鳞状细胞癌组织存活蛋白mRNA的表达通过相对定量倍数关系比较,为正常组织的3.3倍,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).结论 存活蛋白在口腔癌的发生过程中起重要作用,口腔脱落细胞的存活蛋白检测可早期诊断口腔鳞状细胞癌并判断预后.     

游离股后内侧皮瓣在口腔颌面部缺损修复重建中的应用初探

为探讨游离股后内侧皮瓣在口腔颌面部缺损修复重建中的应用,本研究纳入2019年1月至 2020年1月就诊于郑州大学第一附属医院口腔颌面外科的口腔癌患者23例,男性13例,女性10例,年龄（54.5±9.7）岁（33~72岁）。23例患者在口腔癌切除同期均采用股后内侧皮瓣修复口腔颌面缺损。记录皮瓣供区穿支血管数目和类型,切...     

Comparison of postoperative complications in early versus delayed tracheostomy decannulation in patients undergoing oral cancer surgery with microvascular reconstruction

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of early and delayed tracheostomy decannulation protocols on the length of stay, time to oral feeding and incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction for oral cancer.A review of all patients who underwent surgical management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) over the study period from 01/07/2017 to 31/06/2021 was performed. Patients who underwent elective tracheostomy as part of their microvascular reconstruction were included. Two cohorts were identified based on distinct postoperative tracheostomy decannulation protocols; early (Within 7 days) and delayed (≥7 days). Time to oral feeding, length of stay and complication rates was determined for both groups for statistical analysis.A total of 103 patients with OSCC were included in the study. The overall complication rate was 35.9% and were more likely in node positive patients (53.7% vs 23.2%; p = 0.003) and in cases where the geniohyoid muscle complex was disrupted during tumour resection (66.7% vs 31.9%; p = 0.026). Early decannulation was significantly associated with shorter length of hospital stay (10 days vs 15 days) and earlier removal of nasogastric feeding tubes (7 vs 10 days). There was no difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups (33.3% vs 37.5%; p = 0.833).Early decannulation in appropriately selected patients is recommended as it significantly reduces the length of hospital stay and aids in early resumption of oral intake. Furthermore, this approach is not associated with increased rates of complications.     

Comparison of oral health characteristics in pediatric cancer and cancer free patients: A multicenter study

IntroductionComparing oral health of cancer to non-cancer children proves that cancer and its treatment can cause oral complications.DesignTwo groups of children, 50 treated for cancer, and 51 cancer-free, at two different centers, signed informed consent forms. Both the examination of teeth, oral functions and soft tissue with a questionnaire including the patients’ demographic characteristics, medical history, dietary and oral hygiene, and changes due to the oncologic treatment allowed gathering data.ResultsThe two groups had no demographic nor socio-economic differences. Dietary habits were not significantly different. Daily brushing was more frequent in cancer-free (96.1%) versus sick (76%) children. Oral hygiene was poor (34%) or very poor (24%) in cancer patients and average for non-cancer subjects (68.6%). Cancer patients had more caries, without significant differences between groups. Gingiva was healthy in 96.1% of non-cancer and 76% of cancer patients (p = 0.044). In cancer patients, intra-oral soft tissue lesions were aphtous ulcers (52.9%), candidiasis (23.5%), and herpes (17.6%). Xerostomia was significantly different (p = 0.001) between cancer (32%) and non-cancer subjects (3.9%). Chemotherapy alone is an independent predictor of poor oral health (HR 17.7, 95% CI [5.2–60.9], p < 0.001).ConclusionCancer patients had poor oral health compared to non-cancer children, with insufficient knowledge concerning the relationship between oral and general health. Education programs, screenings and treatment at cancer centers may help reduce risks of complications.     

Screening and early detection of oral cancer: current controversies

Some evidence suggests that the early detection of oral cancer (OC) during surveillance might improve survival rates. In addition to this, interventions aimed at enhancing public awareness and knowledge of signs, symptoms and risk factors of OC are thought to decrease the burden of disease. Nevertheless, there is much controversy with regard to the cost-effectiveness of population-based strategies for OC screening. Here, we present and briefly discuss timely findings that have put under scrutiny the applicability of approaches targeted at the early identification of patients with OC.     

Follow up imaging of oral,oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer patients: Comparison of PET-CT and MRI post treatment

There is currently no consensus as to the ideal timing, frequency and modality of imaging for follow up of head and neck cancer patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of PET-CT versus MRI, and imaging at 3 versus 6 months for follow up of head and neck cancer patients treated with curative intent with no clinical signs of treatment failure.Materials and methodsA retrospective study was performed for all head and neck cancers treated with curative intent at the Royal Derby Hospital. Data collected included demographic information, site of primary cancer, staging, treatment provided, type of follow up imaging performed and results of follow up imaging. Inclusion in the study was for oral, oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers treated with curative intent, asymptomatic patients, those who have had follow up imaging within 6 months of treatment, and those followed up for at least 2.5 years since treatment.ResultsA total of 140 patients were included in the study. 25% of patients had evidence of recurrent/metastatic disease on imaging, 60% of which were identified within 6 months post treatment. The majority (60%) of failures were due to distant metastases. The sensitivity and specificity of both MRI and PET-CT was higher at 6 months post-treatment compared to 3 months post-treatment. Overall the sensitivity and specificity for PET-CT and MRI within 3–6 months post treatment were 94.7% and 83.5% and 60% and 85.7% respectively for identifying treatment failure.ConclusionFollow up Imaging at 6 months post treatment is more likely to accurately identify treatment failures with fewer false positives than imaging at 3 months. PET-CT is preferable to MRI for identifying post treatment locoregional and distant treatment failure.     

口腔癌及口咽癌病理诊断规范

口腔癌及口咽癌是口腔颌面部最常见的恶性肿瘤。规范化的口腔癌及口咽癌病理诊断报告不仅应提供给临床准确的病理诊断,还应包括与患者预后评估、治疗策略选择相关的信息。由中华口腔医学会口腔病理学专业委员会牵头组织成立专家组,对口腔癌及口咽癌病理标本固定、取材及报告内容等进行研讨与规范,形成《口腔癌及口咽癌病理诊断规范》。此规范涵盖了近年来在口腔癌和口咽癌临床病理方面的一些重要变化,如口腔癌肿瘤T分期应考虑肿瘤侵袭深度、肿瘤N分期应考虑有无淋巴结外扩展、口咽癌中新亚型人乳头状瘤病毒相关性鳞状细胞癌等。希望通过本规范的制定,提高我国口腔癌及口咽癌病理报告质量,为临床治疗及预后评估提供依据。     

The human mouth: oral functions in a social complexity perspective

In the dental and medical literature, the mouth and oral functions are usually presented in a biomedical context. However, there may be a need for a broader perspective if we are to appreciate the importance of the human mouth as an organ with diverse functions. The paradigm of complexity appears to be of relevance in our understanding the social and psychological characteristics of the human mouth in addition to its biological functions. Examples such as the pleasures of taste, social aspects of eating, the importance of linguistics and communication are illustrations of some of the social and psychological aspects of oral functions. Professional knowledge related to such issues is important in our understanding the patient's priorities and in performing the relevant diagnosis and treatment planning.     

Gland-sparing neck dissection: oncological and functional outcomes in oral cancer patients

This study was performed to evaluate the subjective and objective functional outcomes of patients who had undergone submandibular gland-sparing neck dissection. All data were obtained from patients treated in a single hospital. Seventy-seven patients who had undergone complete submandibular gland sparing (CSGS) were included in the study. Cancer prognosis items were recorded. The subjective outcomes included patient self-evaluation of mouth dryness and the evaluation of the presence of saliva secretion following the application of digital pressure. Saliva scintigraphy served as the objective test. Self-reported xerostomia was compared between the CSGS patients and a control group of patients who had undergone unilateral submandibular gland removal (USGR; n = 74). In the CSGS group, local recurrence occurred in 3.8% of the 80 cancer sites, and neck recurrence occurred in 5.9% of neck dissection sites. Regarding the subjective measurements, 7.0% of the CSGS patients reported xerostomia and 91.9% demonstrated saliva secretion by digital pressure. Scintigraphy revealed actively secreting glands, with 42.9% of them showing normal gland function; none of the patients had severe xerostomia. The relative risk of dry mouth was significantly higher in the USGR patients than in the CSGS patients (P < 0.001). Submandibular gland sparing during neck dissection was found to result in satisfactory saliva secretion, with a relatively small risk of local or neck recurrence.     

An oral cancer awareness intervention in community pharmacy

We investigated the impact on 95 community pharmacies of an educational package on awareness of oral cancer, which consisted of a training evening, pharmacy protocol, and information for patients. Results of a questionnaire and the experience of a mystery shopper before the intervention and 6 months later were used to evaluate its effectiveness.     

Multivariate analysis of risk factors for postoperative wound infection following oral and oropharyngeal cancer surgery

Purpose

The goal of this study was to identify risk factors for wound infections in patients with oral cancer who underwent surgical procedures.

2019年NCCN口腔口咽癌诊疗指南更新解读

美国癌症联合委员会2017年第8版《AJCC肿瘤分期手册》出版,口腔及口咽癌TNM分期标准中新增侵袭深度（DOI）、淋巴结外扩展（ENE）、人乳头瘤病毒（HPV）等指标,并将口咽癌分为HPV阳性（p16+）与HPV阴性（p16-）,分别制定了不同的TNM分期标准。2018年,美国国立综合癌症网（NCCN）首次为HPV阳性（p16+）口咽癌制定了诊疗指南。2019年第1版NCCN头颈癌诊疗指南已经发布,其中对口腔口咽癌指南做了部分修订。为临床工作需要,本文结合2版变化进行部分解读。