Oncocytomas are one of the infrequent neoplasms seen in the oral cavity accounting for less than 2% of all neoplasms in the oral cavity with less than 1% chance of malignant transformation. They affect the major salivary glands and have a female predilection. The cognisance of the unique clinical and histopathological features is very important to conclude a confirmatory diagnosis. This paper reviews a case of oncocytoma presented in our department and also elucidates the diagnostic criteria for the same.

Inflammation is the chief causative agent of many chronic diseases including cancer of all origins. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the third-most common cancer in India and chronic inflammation plays a pivotal role in tumorigenesis. Early diagnosis is the key to better survival of these patients. Targeted prevention and treatment have been promising avenues in oral cancer management. This review sheds a light on the association between inflammation and oral cancer and the biomarkers associated with cancer progression.

Background: Keratin is an intermediate protein that structures the cytoskeleton of all epithelial cells. Keratin pearl is present in various pathological conditions such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Mitotic figures can be used as a valuable tool in assessing cellular proliferation and act as a prognostic indicator in dysplasia and malignancy of the oral cavity. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Leishman's stain with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) stain in assessing keratin pearls and mitotic figures. Materials and Methods: In total, 30 diagnosed cases of OSCC of three different histological grades were taken. In each case, two sections of 4–5-micron thickness were made and stained with routine H and E stain and Leishman's stain. Staining intensity and specificity results were analyzed statistically using the Chi-square test and P = 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Both stains can distinguish three different types of OSCC histologically. Leishman's stain demonstrated staining intensity (P = 0.087) and specificity (P = 0.017) comparable to that of routine H and E. Conclusion: Leishman's stain distinctly stained the keratin pearl and mitotic figures with a higher intensity. However, H and E showed a higher specificity.

Proliferating intraoral mass, biopsy of which twice revealed benign fibromatous lesion. But excisional biopsy of involved bone confirmed chondroblastic osteosarcoma. Considering this deviation from actual diagnosis, this article is an attempt to answer the age old question of biopsy site determination and its impact on patient diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.