Posts by Patricia de Vries

Objective: Studies have shown an increased incidence of oral cancer amongst those from more deprived communities. With widening health inequalities, it is important to understand if the presenting disease extent is influenced by socioeconomic factors. The inverse care law describes how the availability of medical care varies inversely with the need for care. We aim…

Background: There is a spectrum of adverse drug reactions in the oral cavity, ranging from drug-induced xerostomia to the development of severe mucosal disorders including extensive ulceration and mucositis. In relation to drug-induced ulcerations, there are previously established adverse effects of some medications such as nicorandril and low dose methotrexate. There are however, limited reports…

Introduction Vetting of referrals from GDPs requires the receiving clinician to decide how urgently the patient should be seen based on the information provided. Referrals are often brief and may not provide enough information to make an informed decision. Unclear referrals which might suggest oral cancer are upgraded for patient safety. In an e-Referral, the…

Introduction Calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease (CPPD) or pseudogout, is a form of arthritis that causes severe inflammation of the joints resulting in acute pain, swelling and limitation of function [1]. Although the aetiology is not fully understood, the key feature is formation of pyrophosphate crystals in cartilage or synovial fluid, triggering a severe inflammatory response…

Rare presentation of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour A 9 year old female presented with a 4 month history of a lesion on the tip of the tongue. It developed spontaneously and differential diagnosis was made of a mucocoele by the referring General Practitioner. Clinical examination revealed a 6x6mm raised, non-mobile and firm lump on the…