Evaluation of Risk Factors in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Control Study

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Since there are many factors that influence the development of cancer, identifying risk factors plays an important role in cancer prevention. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the risk factors for HNSCC in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, 76 patients with HNSCC were included as the case and 91 healthy people as the control group. A checklist of risk factors was completed for each participant and the two groups were compared for the presence of risk factors. Chi-square, t test, and Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare the data. Odds ratios (ORs) for several factors have also been determined. Findings: The educational level and body mass index (BMI) of the patients in the case group were significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.001). Moreover, there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of risk factors such as tobacco smoking, the number of cigarettes smoked per day, and its duration (P=0.001, P<0.001, P=0.05), as well as the duration of hookah smoking, opium consumed per day and use of alcohol (P=0.023, P<0.001, P=0.015). Conclusion: There was a direct relationship between HNSCC and risk factors such as cigarette smoking, number of cigarettes smoked per day, duration of cigarette consumption and hookah, opium consumed per day, and alcohol use. However, extensive studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better assess the impact of these factors and generalize the results

Assessment of prevalence study of 40 variables related to painful dysfunction syndrome of masticatory muscles in patients referred to faculty of dentistry in Mashhad, Northeast of Iran

Introduction: Painful dysfunction syndrome of masticatory muscles is one of the most important causes of pain in orofacial region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalency of 40 variables related to this disorder. Materials and Methods: A total 39 patients (32 females, 7 males) with painful dysfunction syndrome of masticatory muscles were studied. Patients were evaluated for prevalence of age, sex, job, marriage status, masticatory muscles tenderness, maximum mouth opening, deviation, deflection, temporomandibular joint involvement, habits, parafunctions, mall occlusions, neck pain, headache, ear pain and previous history of jaw involvement. Results:  Mean age of patients was 35±13.32 years old and most common range of age was  20-40, 51% were house wife and 74.4% were married. Other variables included: Clicking (74.4%), temporomandibular joint pain (54%), headache (46.2%), ear pain (41%), neck pain (35.9%), limitation of maximum opening (71.8%), class I mall occlusion (74.4%), cross bite and deep bite (25.6%), deviation (7.7%), deflection (41%), bruxism (56.4%), clenching (64.1%) Masseter and external petrygoid (85%) muscles of masticatoty muscles had higher involvement. Conclusion: Because of painful dysfunction syndrome of masticatory muscles has variable signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment planning may be very difficult, Therefore having more information about this disorder can help physicians to make best decisions

Sarcoidosis and its oral manifestations: A case report study

Abstract A patient was referred to the oral medicine department with redness and swelling of the lips and cheek, and an intra‐oral lesion. Biopsy and laboratory investigations suggested a diagnosis of sarcoidosis. In this study we discuss oral findings associated with sarcoidosis

The Effect of Pimecrolimus Cream 1% Compared with Triamcinolone Acetonide Paste in Treatment of Atrophic-Erosive Oral Lichen Planus

Introduction: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic mucocutaneous disease. Patients with atrophic and erosive types of OLP often have symptoms of soreness, and require proper treatment. The main treatment for OLP has been the administration of topical or systemic corticosteroids. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of adcortyl cream (triamcinolone acetonide in orabase) with topical pimecrolimus cream for the treatment of erosive OLP.   Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients with OLP were enrolled in a single blind clinical trial and assigned to either a pimecrolimus 1% cream group or an adcortyl 0.1% cream group. The medication was applied every day for 2 months and patients were assessed every 2 weeks.   Results: The mean lesion size and mean pain and burning sensation scores did not differ between the pimecrolimus and adcortyl cream groups. The pimecrolimus cream was well tolerated. No clinical drug-related adverse events were observed.   Conclusion:  Topical pimecrolimus cream may be recommended as a safe and effective alternative therapy in the treatment of OLP. Pimecrolimus cream is as effective as adcortyl cream in managing the signs and symptoms of OLP

Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS)

Introduction: Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome (MPDS) is one of the most important causes of the orofacial pain. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate 40 related variables in this regard. Materials and Methods: Thirty nine patients with MPDS were evaluated in this study. Different factors including age, gender, occupation, marital status, sensitivity of masticatory muscles, maximum opening of the mouth, deviation, deflection, involvement of temporomandibular joint, habit, parafunction, malocclusion, neck pain, headache, earache and history of jaw involvement, etc were analyzed in this  evaluation. Results: In our study, 39 patients (32 females and 7 males), 20-40 years old, with the average age of 35 ± 13.32 years were studied. 51% were housewives and 74.4% were married. The most common involvements were Clicking (74.4%), pain in temporomandibular joint (54%), headache (46.2%), earache (41%), neck-pain (35.9%), trouble in the mouth opening (71.8%), malocclusion Class I (74.4%), cross bite and deep bite (25%), clenching (64.1%) and involvement of masseter and lateral pterygoid muscle (84%). Conclusion: Since MPDS consists of variable symptoms, it might be very difficult to provide any definite diagnosis and treatment. Therefore the more the specialists extend their knowledge and information about this disorder, the more they will make the best decision in this regard

The Effect of Pimecrolimus Cream 1% Compared with Triamcinolone Acetonide Paste in Treatment of Atrophic-Erosive Oral Lichen Planus

Introduction: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic mucocutaneous disease. Patients with atrophic and erosive types of OLP often have symptoms of soreness, and require proper treatment. The main treatment for OLP has been the administration of topical or systemic corticosteroids. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of adcortyl cream (triamcinolone acetonide in orabase) with topical pimecrolimus cream for the treatment of erosive OLP.   Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients with OLP were enrolled in a single blind clinical trial and assigned to either a pimecrolimus 1% cream group or an adcortyl 0.1% cream group. The medication was applied every day for 2 months and patients were assessed every 2 weeks.   Results: The mean lesion size and mean pain and burning sensation scores did not differ between the pimecrolimus and adcortyl cream groups. The pimecrolimus cream was well tolerated. No clinical drug-related adverse events were observed.   Conclusion:  Topical pimecrolimus cream may be recommended as a safe and effective alternative therapy in the treatment of OLP. Pimecrolimus cream is as effective as adcortyl cream in managing the signs and symptoms of OLP