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Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a pressing global public health concern characterized by a challenging prognosis and a higher risk of local recurrence in cases of delayed diagnosis. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), especially prevalent, often manifests itself initially as oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). Despite accessibility to the oral cavity, timely identification of OSCC remains a substantial challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a subset of small noncoding RNAs, can be released in various bodily fluids, including blood, serum, tissue, and saliva. Moreover, previous research underscores the significant role of miRNAs from oral samples as biomarkers in diverse cancers. The primary objective of this research is to discern distinct salivary miRNAs in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This study aims to offer an overview of the fundamental attributes of saliva, biomarker detection methods in different salivary analyzes, and the potential of salivary biomarkers in the screening, monitoring, and analysis of the molecular pathology of patients afflicted by HNC. It intends to explore the prospective role of salivary biomarkers in screening, monitoring, and diagnosing cancers impacting the oral cavity and beyond. Inconclusion, miRNA sampling is a less invasive method than other methods, such as blood and tissue, for the early diagnosis of lesions with a potential to turn into cancer, especially oral cancer and other cancer diagnosis with reduced anxiety and pain for the patient. Moreover, it is much easier to obtain multiple samples at various times for screening and monitoring, especially potentially malignant disorders, and cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In root canal therapy, radiographic imaging of the teeth and surrounding peri-radicular structures is crucial for diagnosis and management. The valuable data necessary to make a diagnosis can be lost because of the complexity of the maxillofacial skeleton, the inaccuracy of 2D radiographic images and the superimposition of surrounding anatomical structures. This case report describes a larger than normal radiolucency that was not visualised on a periapical radiograph (PA), while this was evident on the orthopantogram (OPG) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. When prescribing a radiograph, it is imperative to maximise the benefit of acquisition of information while maintaining the radiation safety for the patient; adjunct-imaging techniques such as CBCT must be considered if conventional radiographic techniques do not support clinical signs and symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed a systematic review of the current literature addressing the safety and efficacy of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in cancer patients. In this systematic review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. In vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, which investigated the effect of PBMT on cell proliferation/differentiation, tumor growth, recurrence rate, and/or overall survival were included. The Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched through April 2020. A total of 67 studies met the inclusion criteria with 43 in vitro, 15 in vivo, and 9 clinical studies identified. In vitro studies investigating the effect of PBMT on a diverse range of cancer cell lines demonstrated conflicting results. This could be due to the differences in used parameters and the frequency of PBM applications. In vivo studies and clinical trials with a follow‐up period demonstrated that PBMT is safe with regards to tumor growth and patient advantage in the prevention and treatment of specific cancer therapy‐related complications. Current human studies, supported by most animal studies, show safety with PBMT using currently recommended clinical parameters, including in Head & Neck cancer (HNC) in the area of PBMT exposure. A significant and growing literature indicates that PBMT is safe and effective, and may even offer a benefit in patient overall survival. Nevertheless, continuing research is indicated to improve understanding and provide further elucidation of remaining questions regarding PBM use in oncology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To systematically review the literature and update the evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the use of photobiomodulation (PBM), such as laser and other light therapies, for the prevention and/or treatment of oral mucositis (OM).Methods: A systematic review was conducted by the Mucositis Study Group of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) using PubMed and Web of Science. We followed the MASCC methods for systematic review and guidelines development. The rigorously evaluated evidence for each intervention, in each cancer treatment setting, was assigned a level-of-evidence (LoE). Based on the LoE, one of the following guidelines was determined: Recommendation, Suggestion, or No Guideline Possible.Results: Recommendations are made for the prevention of OM and related pain with PBM therapy in cancer patients treated with one of the following modalities: hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, head and neck (H&N) radiotherapy (without chemotherapy), and H&N radiotherapy with chemotherapy. For each of these modalities, we recommend 1-2 clinically effective protocols; the clinician should adhere to all parameters of the protocol selected. Due to inadequate evidence, currently, No Guideline Possible for treatment of established OM or for management of chemotherapy-related OM. The reported clinical settings were extremely variable, limiting data integration.Conclusions: The evidence supports the use of specific settings of PBM therapy for the prevention of OM in specific patient populations. Under these circumstances, PBM is recommended for the prevention of OM. The guidelines are subject to continuous update based on new published data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim There is a lack of appropriate, commercially-available topical corticosteroid formulations for use in oral lichen planus ( OLP) and oral lichenoid reaction. Current therapy includes crushing a dexamethasone tablet and mixing it with water for use as a mouth rinse. This formulation is unpleasant esthetically and to use in the mouth, as it is a bitter and gritty suspension, resulting in poor compliance. Thus, the present study was designed to formulate and pilot an effective, esthetically-pleasing formulation. Methods A single-blinded, cross-over trial was designed with two treatment arms. Patients were monitored for 7 weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data was assessed using VAS, numeric pain scales, the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication-9, and thematic analysis to determine primary patient-reported outcomes, including satisfaction, compliance, quality of life, and symptom relief. Results Nine patients completed the pilot trial. Data analysis revealed the new compounded formulation to be superior to existing therapy due to its convenience, positive contribution to compliance, patient-perceived faster onset of action, and improved symptom relief. Conclusion Topical dexamethasone is useful in the treatment of OLP. When carefully formulated into a compounded mouth rinse, it improves patient outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Milk is a universal dietary component and it is now recognized as an effective medium for the delivery of fluoride (F). This study sought (i) to evaluate fluoridated milk (2.5 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm) for remineralizing carious lesions and (ii) to determine the optimum frequency for treating carious lesions with fluoridated milk. Materials and methods. Artificial carious lesions, 90-180 μm deep, were created on extracted third molar teeth that were sectioned to produce specimens of 100-120 μm thickness. Specimens were randomly divided into 13 groups ( n = 20) for treatment with deionized water, plain milk or fluoridated milk (2.5 ppm, 5 ppm, 10 ppm); once daily, twice daily or on alternate days as part of a 20-day pH cycling model. Lesion depth (LD) and mineral content were evaluated before and after pH cycling. Paired t-test, ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls tests were employed to make comparisons within and between the different groups. Results. Fluoridated milk significantly reduced LD and increased the mineral content of the lesions compared to plain milk and deionized water ( p < 0.05). The greatest reduction in LD was with 2.5 ppm F milk used twice daily ( p < 0.05). Conclusions. Milk with 2.5 ppm F used twice daily demonstrated the greatest remineralization of artificial enamel carious lesions in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]