Background. Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are epithelial-derived pathologies which share inflammation as a common initial pathogenic-inducing state. Mast cell is a key immune modulating cell which is primarily involved in initiation and propagation of inflammation. The role of mast cell in OPMDs and OSCC has been an established fact; however, its definitive pathogenic correlation is still under study. The objective of the study was to evaluate the number of mast cell in OPMDs and OSCC using special stain correlating its probable role as a promoter or retarder of OSCC. Materials and Methods. Forty-five archival histopathologically confirmed cases each of OPMD and OSCC were studied for mast cells using toluidine blue and Alcian blue-safranin stain and compared with 10 normal oral mucosal tissues. Comparisons between the mast cells count was also performed between the two special stains. Results. Among 100 cases, 67% were males and 33% were females. The mean age was 41.68 ± 13.39; 55.06 ± 12.55; and 18.4 ± 2.54 years for OPMDs, OSCC, and normal, respectively. A statistically significant increase in mast cells among OPMDs (9.88 ± 7.9) and OSCC (6.711 ± 3.94) was observed compared to normal oral mucosa. The mast cell count reduced among OSCC in comparison to OPMDs which was significant as well. The mean mast cell count for Alcian blue-safranin stain was higher than toluidine blue stain. Conclusion. There is a decrease in mean mast cell count from OPMDs to OSCC which is suggestive of protective role of mast cell. Proper quantification of mast cells using specific stains can guide to define prognosis in oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer.

POF represents a separate entity with diverse histological presentation. Considerable overlapping of clinical and histological features are present among different reactive gingival lesions, which warrant a meticulous review for the diagnosis of POF.

Introduction. Adenoid (acantholytic) squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is a histological variant of squamous cell carcinoma which occurs mainly in the sun-exposed areas of the head and neck region. It is commonly seen among males which mainly occurs in the sixth and seventh decade of life with lip being predominately affected. Limited scientific literature is documenting the intraoral presentation of ASCC in contrast to its usual extraoral lesions associated with the skin. Characteristic pseudo glandular alveolar space formation seen in ASCC often mimics carcinoma of salivary gland origin. In-depth knowledge of histopathological features of ASCC is important to diagnose this uncommon variant. Case Description. An 80-year-old female presented with the chief complaint of the nonhealing lesion in the right lower back region of the jaw for 2 months, associated with pain. A provisional diagnosis of oral cancer was considered, and an incisional biopsy was done. Histopathological presentation of the epithelial tumor island, pseudo glandular duct-like structures, and neoplastic cells showing features of dysplasia and keratin pearl formation confirmed the diagnosis as adenoid (acantholytic) squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusion. The histopathological presentation of adenoid (acantholytic) squamous cell carcinoma reflects the prognosis and metastatic behavior of the diseases. The knowledge of histopathological features of ASCC would be a guide to the untrained eye for the diagnosis and management of this uncommon variant to minimize the rate of metastasis or reoccurrence.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared as a global pandemic. In the absence of vaccines or specific drugs for COVID-19, a better understanding and implementation of universal safety precautions is essential for the prevention of COVID-19 virus infection globally. People’s adherence to the universal precautions safety measures against COVID-19 is essential which is largely affected by their knowledge and belief. Objectives: To assess the public’s knowledge and belief toward the universal safety precautions during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional web-based online survey was conducted in general public in Nepal during April, 2020. A self-designed questionnaire was prepared using Google forms via docs.google.com/forms for the collection of the data. The study participants were grouped into two categories according to their level of knowledge: excellent (score 80% and above) and average (score less than 80%). Descriptive statistics mean, frequency and percentage were used to analyze the data. Results: Out of 228, majority were male (90.4%) and aged 36-45 years (36%). Mean knowledge score was 4.68±1.41. Most of them (57.9%) had average knowledge. Average of the correct responses in the knowledge and belief domain were found to be 66.9% and 71.2% respectively. Majority of the public (55.3%) believed that home-made alcohol-based hand sanitizer is equally effective to factory-made standard sanitizer against COVID-19 virus. Conclusion: Knowledge toward universal safety precautions against COVID-19 were average among the majority of the public. There was gap between knowledge and belief domain. There is an unmet need for long term educational interventions among the public regarding the preventive methods against COVID-19. Keywords: Knowledge; Belief; COVID-19; Nepal; Public; Universal safety precautions.

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