Cells are constantly exposed to various external stimuli which regulate the growth and survival of the cells. The signal transduction from the external environment to the interior of the cell is carried out by cell surface or transmembrane receptors. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a type I receptor tyrosine kinase and along with its ligands, EGFR is involved in the regulation of multiple cellular pathways. EGFR and its signaling pathway have been studied extensively for the biological and pathophysiological role in health and disease. There is enough evidence to suggest that EGFR is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of various cancers. This review discusses the structural anatomy and physiology of EGFR and its ligands, the role of EGFR in cancer and EGFR-targeted therapy.

Serratiopeptidase is a proteolytic enzyme that has been used for reducing inflammation, it has antiedemic, analgesic, fibrinolytic and caesinolytic properties. Serratiopeptidase is often used in oral surgery for its anti-inflammatory purpose after impaction surgery, maxillofacial trauma and infections but its use should be limited in cases of abscess due to its fibrinolytic activity. Here, we report a case of a buccal space abscess which had spread into deeper muscular layers after serratiopeptidase administration in a 32-year-old male without any systemic condition. Patient presented with a painful swelling on the right mid region of the face since seven days. Serratiopeptidase was discontinued. After routine blood investigation and ultrasonography, incision and drainage was done and the patient recovered after seven days of treatment.

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) is a rare and unique disease of the oral cavity. It is a biphasic squamous cell carcinoma with sarcoma-like characteristics. It is a strikingly aggressive lesion with a rapid rate of growth and a high rate of metastasis. Diagnosing a sarcomatoid carcinoma may present a challenge; most can only be ascertained by immunohistochemical study. An aggressive treatment plan should be devised for this uncompromising disease with a readiness to accept the dire outcome. We hereby present a case of a 50-year-old male patient, with no history of deleterious habit, diagnosed with SC of the buccal mucosa that proved to be fatal.