Implication of human papillomavirus in postirradiation dysplasia

Article Abstract:

The term ''dysplasia'' refers to an abnormality of tissue structure. Often, a dysplasia is a precancerous condition that is likely to evolve into an actual malignant tumor over time. Dysplasias may occur naturally, or may be the result of injury, particularly radiation injury. It has been found that roughly 23 percent of women who receive radiation treatment for gynecologic cancers such as cervical or uterine cancers may develop postirradiation dysplasia (PRD) of the cervix or vagina. There are also indications that these women are at higher risk for cancer recurrence. Pathologists who examine PRD under the microscope find strong similarities with dysplasias resulting from other causes, prompting speculation that a common cause might be involved. It is well established that the human papillomavirus is associated with dysplasia of the vagina and cervix, as well as with actual cancer. This virus, which also causes genital warts, may be detected in abnormal tissues and cancers by using techniques of molecular biology to detect the presence of viral genes. These methods have now been used to demonstrate the presence of viral genes in cases of postirradiation dysplasia as well. Biopsy specimens of 17 cases of PRD were examined, and eight were found to contain indications of human papillomavirus (HPV). The most commonly identified type of HPV was type 16, as is the case for vaginal and cervical cancers. These observations raise the possibility that, in at least some cases, the radiation itself does not directly cause the postirradiation dysplasia. Rather, the radiation sets the stage, perhaps by immune suppression, for the development of tissue abnormalities resulting from extant HPV infection. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Research, Complications and side effects, Condyloma acuminatum, Genital warts, Papillomavirus infections, Pathology, Gynecological, Gynecological pathology

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Smokeless tobacco use and oral epithelial dysplasia

Article Abstract:

The long-term effects of smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco or snuff) on the mucosal lining of the mouth in Americans are not known. Studies involving Americans have looked at incidence of abnormal cells in the mouth, which was of low. The incidence of dysplasia (abnormal development of tissues, which may be precancerous) of epithelial (surface) cells of the oral cavity in 108 patients known to be users of smokeless tobacco has now been characterized. Dysplasia in women developed on average 10 years later than in men, although women tended to have more severe dysplasia. The cheek and the gum ridge accounted for 82 percent of all cases, and of the 44 patients specifically analyzed, the area in the mouth where the smokeless tobacco was held and the area of dysplasia were the same in 91 percent. Compared with patients who did not use smokeless tobacco, users more often (84 percent) had milder dysplasia. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Smokeless tobacco

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The relationship between performance in a dental school and performance on a clinical examination for licensure: a nine-year study

Article Abstract:

The relationship between dental students' performance in dental school and performance on National East Regional Board's (NERB) clinical examination is assessed by using data from a nine-year period. An analysis of nine years' data raised doubts over the reliability and validity of initial licensure examinations and it was also found that the clinical examinations did not provide validity for making the licensure decision.

United States, Evaluation, Dental education, Dental schools, Professional examinations

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