Search

Background: some types of cancer have been associated with the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of some genes that encode enzymes: glutathione-S transferase (GST), whose alteration leads to loss of function and a lower capacity to eliminate toxic GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes; SNPs causing loss of function of CYP1A1 or CYP1A1-2 cytochrome P450 enzymes related with a lower capacity to deactivate hydrocarbons related to smoking, which involves a higher risk of developing some smoking-dependent cancers including larynx cancer., Objective: to compare the presence of null SNPs in genes GSTM1, GSTT1, and CYP1A1 rs 4646903 T>C, and CYP1A1-2 RS1048943 A>G in patients with hypopharyngeal and larynx cancer with a healthy control group., Materials and Method: The study included a total of 80 patients with hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancer and 23 healthy subjects. Genomic DNA was obtained from saliva samples, determining genotype GSTM1 (present +, or null -), GSTT1 (present + or null -). Polymorphisms (SNP) in CYP1A1 T>C (present + CC, or absent - TC/TT), and CYP1A1-2 A>G (present + GG, or absent - AG/AA)., Results: the mean age of patients with larynx cancer was 62 years and of control subjects 63 years. Of the total sample, over 95% were men, and over 90% were smokers. The presence of null genotypes for GTM1 was 50% in patients with larynx cancer ( p = 0.042), while GSTT1 was 88.75% ( p = 0.002). CYP1A1 rs4646903 T>C polymorphisms were detected in 100% of cases of larynx cancer and 17.39% of healthy subjects ( p > 0.001)., Conclusions: patients with larynx cancer present more gene GSTM1 and GSTT1 null polymorphisms, and CYP1A1 rs4646903 T>C polymorphisms.

A case of metastatic carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (PA) of the submandibular gland is reported. While reports of local recurrence of this cancer are numerous, few cases of distant metastases have been reported. We report a case of a 52-year-old male patient with a history of PA diagnosed ten years previous. The patient presented reporting that the mass had increased size and pain during the previous six months. Needle biopsy results of this mass were compatible with a poorly differentiated carcinoma of the salivary ducts. Radical surgery with wide right neck dissection was performed with curative intent. Three years post-surgery liver and bony metastases were detected. In conclusion, the potential for malignant transformation of PA demands close follow-up of younger patients.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of actinomyces in adenotonsillar disease, recurrent infections, or tonsillar hypertrophy in children. The study included 64 patients, ranging in age from 2 to 16 years, who had elective adenotonsillar surgery to treat either adenotonsillar hypertrophy (36 children) or recurrent adenotonsillitis (28 children). Adenotonsillar Actinomyces was present in 30 children (48%). No statistical significance was found between Actinomyces and recurrent adenotonsillitis or adenotonsillar hypertrophy. However, there was a statistically significant relationship identified between the presence of actinomycosis and age, with a greater occurrence of actinomycosis in children between 5 and 16 years old.

A lectin histochemistry study was performed in the supraglottic and subglottic regions of 10 hamsters. The submucosal glands were observed by light microscopy. The supraglottic submucosal glands presented numerous mucous tubules but on the other hand, the subglottic submucosal glands had serous tubules which finished at the distal portion in serous acini. The results suggest that the distribution of fucosylated-mucin and serum-type glycoproteins between the supra- and subglottic submucosal glands suggest a different viscosity and function of the mucus.

Submucosal glands (SG) are the most important secretory elements in the human nasal mucosa. However, there is little information about the glycoconjugates of the SG secretions. Ten patients were selected in an aleatory way and a wide biopsy of the right inferior nasal turbinate mucosa was performed. The patients did not present any otorhinolaryngologic disease and the nasal exploration was normal. The serous cells of SG show a moderate reactivity to WGA, N-PNA, N-WGA and ConA and mild to WEA-I. The mucus cells of SGNM demonstrate a strong reactivity to N-PNA and N-WGA, moderate to WEA-I and WGA and there is no reactivity to Con-A. For DBA, SBA and LTA lectins no reactivity was observed.

This paper reports a rare case of a 69-year-old man bearing a right parotid lump, measuring near 5 cm diameter, which diagnosis resulted a Warthin's tumor. The used procedure to reach the diagnosis was aspiration through a fine needle. Two months after the laboratory diagnosis--so within the preoperative term--we can corroborate the clinical and radiological missing of the growth. Review and analysis of etiologic and pathogenic mechanisms.

Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive dermal neoplasm of neuroendocrine origin with a predilection for the head-and-neck region in elderly patients. We present a case of Merkel cell carcinoma of the nasal fossa. Local wide excision was performed.

Thirty New Zealand White rabbits underwent unilateral partial or complete removal of maxillary sinus mucosa in order to evaluate submucosal maxillary sinus glands. After three months, specimens were taken for examination from all operated on and control sinuses. Bacteriological cultures, light and electron microscopy were performed. Histopathological findings showed a decrease in the number of serous glands and significant inflammation was present in the sinus in which there was complete surgical removal. Electron microscopy revealed changes in the secretory cells of the serous glands in the regenerated post-surgical mucosa.

Reporting the case of a young woman, 25, with long lasting dysphagia. At examination a pediculated polypoid formation in the lower pole of the left amygdala is verified (3 x 2 cms). After removal, under local anesthesia, is diagnosed as an hamartomatous tonsillar polyp. Review of the literature, analysis of several etiopathogenical theories and differential diagnosis with other resembling amygdaline conditions.