Introduction: Recent times have revealed an increase in incidence of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) in young adults including those who lack association with typical risk factors such as tobacco. There are reported variations in clinical behaviour of tumours in young and older individuals.Aim: Present study evaluated differences in clinicopathological characteristics between two groups of OSCC, below and above 40 years of age. Materials and Methods:An analytical study was performed on two groups of OSCC patients, below and above 40 years of age. Clinicopathological parameters of site distribution, type of habit, histological grade, nodal metastasis, margin status, mitotic index and Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizing Regions (AgNOR) count were compared. Chi-square test and Students t-test were applied for statistical analysis.results: Present study revealed that mean AgNOR count was significantly higher in older group (6.38) than younger group (4.27). However, no significant differences were noted in site distribution, tobacco habit, histological grade, mitotic index, nodal metastasis and status of resected surgical margins between the two age groups. A trend for increased metastasis and poor histological differentiation was also observed in the older and younger age group respectively. Most common site was buccal mucosa followed by tongue in both groups.conclusion: Reasons for documented variability in tumour characteristics between young and older patients are currently unclear. Difference in AgNOR count found in present study is suggestive of variability in proliferative and ploidy characteristics between different age groups and supports the hypothesis of genetic and epigenetic influences in development of oral cancer.

Introduction:Radiation, commonly employed as neoadjuvant, primary, and adjuvant therapy for head and neck cancer causes numerous epithelial and stromal changes, prominent among which is fibrosis with its early and late consequences. Very little is known about the true nature of the fibrosed tissue and the type of fibers accumulated. Radiotherapy affects the supporting tumor stroma often resulting in a worsening grade of tumor post-radiation.Aim:To study epithelial, neoplastic, stromal, and glandular changes in oral cavity induced by radiation therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using special stains.Materials and Methods:The study included 27 samples of recurrent OSCC following completion of radiotherapy (recurrence within an average span of 11 months), and 26 non-irradiated cases of OSCC. Patients with a history of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy were not included in the study. The epithelial changes assessed included epithelial atrophy, apoptosis, necrosis, dysplasia, and neoplasia. The connective tissue was evaluated for amount of fibrosis, quality of fibers (using picrosirius red staining), fibrinous exudate, necrosis, pattern of invasion, vessel wall thickening, and salivary gland changes. The aforementioned changes were assessed using light and polarizing microscopy and tabulated.Statistical Analysis:Epithelial and connective tissue parameters were compared between the irradiated and non-irradiated cases using chi square and t-tests.Results:Epithelial and connective tissue parameters were found to be increased in irradiated patients. Pattern of invasion by tumor cells varied from strands and  cords between the two groups studied. The effect of radiation was seen to reflect on the maturity of fibers and the regularity of their distribution.

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There are several aspects to a histopathology practice besides the acquisition of biopsy specimens and histopathological diagnosis. Pathology Departments are home to an abundant source of knowledge in the form of stored specimens and slides. We attempt to highlight the importance of regulation of storage, retention, and appropriate use of human tissue material in research and ownership rights to the same. We also discuss requirement and waiver of informed consent for scientific work involving the use of such tissues, which in the absence of defined laws come under the purview of Institution Review Boards. Pathology Departments, under the binding of the parent institution, are conceded the responsibility of maintenance and retention of pathology specimens. This communication highlights some of the important aspects in human tissue material handling and research, underscoring the necessity for established regulations regarding the same.

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