Oral Cancer and Candida

Abstract

Having in mind the role of fungi in relation to oral cancer, were evaluated 33 patients with oral cancer, diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma, classified as T1N0M0 or T2N0M0 . The patients were habitual drinkers and smokers, not submitted previously to any treatment related to fungi or to the present neoplasm. Samples from the oral mucosa were collected and cultured in order to identify the present yeast. Clinical aspects were also evaluated either related to the neoplasm or to candidosis. A predominance of ulcerative cancer lesions were observed, being mainly localised on the floor of the mouth. Positive cultures were represented basically by C. albicans and also six other different species isolated or in association. Pseudo-membranous or erythematous candidosis were not observed. The specificity of the identified fungi, the conditions of colonisation of these patients either related to the development of the neoplasm, immune condition or different treatments related can induce their development, leading us to attention and care for these patients in relation to the mycological aspects observed.