Background: Tumor markers, designated as a broad group of substances produced by malignancies, could be in the form of biochemical substances, immunological substances, cell surface changes and genetic alterations. Cancer, a disorder of cellular behavior is characterized by alteration of serum glycoproteins. L-fucose, a hexose, which is the terminal sugar in most of the plasma glycoproteins, may be useful as a tumor marker for the detection, monitoring and prognostic assessment of malignancies. The aim of the study was to ascertain the role of serum fucose as a biomarker for early detection of oral cancer and to compare serum fucose levels in healthy controls, leukoplakia and oral cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 60 (100.0%) subjects, who were grouped as 20 (33.3%) control subjects, 20 (33.3%) squamous cell carcinoma patients and 20 (33.3%) leukoplakia patients. Fucose estimation was done using UV-visible spectrophotometry based on the method as adopted by Winzler using cysteine reagent. The results were analyzed statistically using ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Results: Results showed a high significance in serum fucose in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and leukoplakia subjects compared to normal controls. There was a gradual increase in the values noted from control to leukoplakia and to squamous cell carcinoma. Conclusions: Estimation of serum fucose may be a reliable marker and can be used as an effective diagnostic biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.
Hunter syndrome, or mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), is a member of a group of inherited metabolic disorders together termed mucopolysaccharidosis (MPSs). It is a rare, X-linked disorder caused by a deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. The prevalence of this syndrome is 1:100,000 births. Insufficient enzyme activity results in accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGS) in the lysosomes of various tissues and organs and leading to progressive multisystem pathologies. Here, we report a case of 13-year-old boy who presented with typical facial, skeletal and dental features without corneal clouding. It is possible that thorough and systematic clinical and radiological examination alone can help in diagnosis of this complex disorder.
Nasolabial cysts are rare non-odontogenic cysts characterised by their extraosseous appearance and are always located near to ala nasi. They are painless and located beneath the mucosa leading to soft tissue swelling and elevation of nasal ala. Bilateral nasolabial cyst is a rare occurrence. This case report describes the clinical diagnostic features and multimodal imaging appearance of nasolabial cyst with review of literature.
Paget's disease is a metabolic disorder of bone caused due to defect in the remodelling process and is very common in western countries but is very rare in Asians and Africans. It was first described by a British scientist Sir James Paget in 1877. It can be monostotic or polyostotic depending on the number of bones involved. It most commonly affects older people of more than 50 years. Disease involvement can be symptomatic or asymptomatic depending on the extent of the disease process. Diagnosis of Paget's disease can be made by raised serum alkaline phosphatase levels, radiological examination and by radioisotope bone scans.
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