This review of the links between the habit of betel quid and areca nut (BQ-AN) chewing and the prognosis of oral cancer included 11 observational studies. The findings suggest that lower 5-year survival is seen in those with a BQ-AN chewing habit.
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In his first blog for the Dental Elf Rajpal Tattar take a look at a review of the diagnostic accuracy of salivary biomarkers for the detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The review considers two biomarkers, cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA 21-1) and for matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) but there is no conclusive evidence for either at present.
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Manas Dave looks at a recent review of which considers the efficacy of optical fluorescence imaging as an adjunct to clinical oral examination for the detection of oral mucosal lesions. The review includes 27 studies and provides evidence to support additional high quality studies to assess its effectiveness.
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This review comparing primary care doctors and dentists in the referral of oral cancer included 22 mainly retrospective studies. Doctors refered sliightly more than dentists, typically 50% compared with 40% respectively.
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Manas Dave looks at a review of elective neck dissection (END) versus observation for the management of T1-2 oral squamous cell carcinoma. The review included 41 studies only 5 were RCTs the remainder being retrospective studies.
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This review of the malignant transformation rate of oral lichen planus and associated risk factors included 33 studies. Using a strict definition the authors found a malignant transformation rate of 0.44%.
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This UK multi-centre RCT of elective neck dissection(END) for early stage oral cancer found higher rates for overall and disease free survival in those patients having END.
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This review of the association between toombak use and oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma included 8 observational studies suggesting a strong association.
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There is an ongoing debate about the management of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and clinically negative cervical lymph nodes. Some clinicians favour preventive elective neck dissection (END) which although is linked with favourable survival has an adverse effect on quality of life while others adopt a wait and watch policy. The aim [read the full story…]
This review of of the effects of oral supplementation on the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy included 12 RCTs and suggest that Zinc supplements may be beneficial.
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