Background: Knowledge regarding risk factors and primary signs of oral cancer in the general population can help them to avoid risky behaviour and seek timely advice from a physician. The aim of this study was to survey adult knowledge about risk factors and signs of oral cancer in Shiraz Dental University. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study using an investigator-made questionnaire, 783 adults who were referred to Shiraz Dental University participated. Questionnaire data were analyzed by ANOVA and T-test. Results: The results showed that 32.3% of participants were aware of oral cancer and gained their knowledge from the media. The risk factors mentioned by these participants was as follows: sunlight 30.8%, hot and peppery food 40.7%, alcoholic drinks 47.4% and smoking 73.6% (there was significant relationship for drinking alcohol and gender, education and times of using dental service, p<0.05). They also mentioned the primary signs of oral cancer as follows: red patch without pain 27.8%, white patch without pain 13.5% and prolong scarring without pain 56.7% (there was significant relationship between these three signs and education and times of using dental service, p<0.05). The mean knowledge about the risk factors and signs of oral cancer were 1.94 from 5 with 1.14 standard deviation and 0.96 from 3 with 0.93 standard deviation. Conclusions: The observed low level of knowledge of people regarding both risk factors and signs of oral cancer emphasizes the need for more efforts to be made about the above mentioned issues by the media.

BackgroundBreakdown of extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the important hallmarks of cancer progression which facilitates the invasion of tumoral cells to the surrounding tissue. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can degrade various components of the ECM and basement membrane. The aim of this study was to determine the role of matrix metalloproteinases-9 protein in the biologic behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its relation with tumor angiogenesis.Material and MethodsIn this study 42 OSCC and 15 normal epithelium were reviewed by immunohistochemical staining for matrix metalloproteinases-9 and CD105.ResultsMatrix metalloproteinases-9 expression was detected in 32 OSCC specimens (76.1%), with 28 specimens (66.6%) showing moderate or strong expression. We observed that the expression level of matrix metalloproteinases-9 was positively correlated with the status of lymph node metastasis (N0vs. N1) (P =0.00), and clinical stage (I-II vs. III-IV) in OSCC patients. Microvessel density in intratumoral tissue has an association with lymph node metastasis and advanced clinical stage (P=0.003 and p=0.01, respectively). We observed that tumors with matrix metalloproteinases-9 overexpression had a higher microvessel density counts compared with tumors with absent or focal immunostaining(16.2±5.6 vs 10.3±3.5 respectively, P =0.03).ConclusionsIn conclusion present results demonstrate the marked expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 and CD105 in OSCC and suggest that the expression of these markers is associated with tumor progression and could offer additional information about the aggressiveness of OSCC. In addition a significant relationship was noted between microvessel density count and expression of matrix metalloproteinases-9 which suggest that MMP9 expression may be closely related to tumor angiogenesis. Key words:Matrix metalloproteinases-9, CD105, squamous cell carcinoma, immunohistochemistry.

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Oral lichen planus is a premalignant chronic inflammatory mucosal disorder with unknown etiology. It is a multifactorial disease and in addition to genetic background, infections, stress, drug reactions are suggested as risk factors. Helicobacter pylori which is involved in development of many gastrointestinal lesions may also be implicated in oral lichen planus induction. This is of clear importance for cancer prevention and the present study was performed to determine any association between H. pylori infection and oral lichen planus in southwestern Iran. Anti H. pylori IgG levels were determined in 41 patients and 82 sex-age matched controls. The results showed no association between H. pylori infection and oral lichen planus (51% in patients vs. 66% in control). or any of its clinical presentations.

The interpositional arthroplasty in TMJ ankylosis patients using either a temporalis muscle and facial flap or a dermal graft would yield a comparable and almost satisfactory clinical outcome.

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Objectives: Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) is the most common form of temporomandibular disorders. Because of the multifactorial nature of the problem, its management usually involves several treatment modalities to maximize their synergistic effects. This randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an adjunct to pharmaceutical therapy for treatment of MPDS. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial evaluated 108 MPDS patients. First, the initial pain intensity of patients was determined using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The first phase of the study included education, awareness, self-care, behavior and relaxation therapy. After 1 month, the pain score was measured again using VAS. Patients who acquired a pain score >1 were divided into three groups of LLLT with diode (GAAlAr) laser with 0.2 W power, TENS, and control, using block randomization. All groups received 10 mg fluoxetine once daily, 0.25 mg clonazepam once daily and 10 mg baclofen three times a day. ANOVA was used to compare the recovery rate of the three groups. Results: Pain in the trapezius muscle and pain on mouth opening resolved faster in the laser + medication group. The recovery rate was faster in the mean muscle pain, general pain reported by patients, pain in the masseter and pterygoid muscles and pain and limitation in lateral movements in both laser + medication and TENS groups. Conclusion: Combination of LLLT and TENS with medication accelerated pain relief and resolved movement restrictions in MPDS patients. (IRCT registration number: IRCT201411113144N4)