Tongue-out versus tongue-in position during intensity-modulated radiotherapy for base of tongue cancer: Clinical implications for minimizing post-radiotherapy swallowing dysfunction.

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess whether different tongue positions change the radiation doses to swallowing organs at risks: the pharyngeal constrictor, oral cavity, and larynx during intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for base of tongue (BOT) cancer.

Methods: IMRT plans with Tongue-out (IMRT-TO) and tongue-in position (IMRT-TI) was compared in 3 cases.

Results: Distance from BOT to pharyngeal constrictor was increased to 1.

Decreased radiation doses to tongue with "stick-out" tongue position over neutral tongue position in head and neck cancer patients who refused or could not tolerate an intraoral device (bite-block, tongue blade, or mouthpiece) due to trismus, gag reflex, or discomfort during intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

Purpose: To assess changes in oral cavity (OC) shapes and radiation doses to tongue with different tongue positions during intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) but who refused or did not tolerate an intraoral device (IOD), such as bite block, tongue blade, or mouthpiece.

Results: Tongue volume outside of OC was 7.1 ± 3.

The effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on bleeding during periodontal surgery.

Background: With the increasing prevalence of individuals taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), there is concern as to whether low-dose NSAIDs cause bleeding problems during periodontal surgery.

Methods: A controlled, single-blind study was designed to measure the effect of ibuprofen at peak plasma levels on intraoperative bleeding. Fifteen medically healthy subjects (seven males and eight females), each having two sites requiring periodontal surgery of similar complexity, type, and duration, were selected for the study.

Pigmented lesions of the oral cavity.

The management of pigmented oral lesions varies based on the diagnosis, ranging from the extremes of patient reassurance to radical surgical excision. This article delineates the factors that will help the clinician differentially diagnose pigmented lesions of the oral cavity. The parameters of care regarding the spectrum of pigmentations are also reviewed.