Medical principles and practice : international journal of the Kuwait University, Health Science Centre
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Case Reports
Successful implantation of a permanent pacemaker through a persistent left superior vena cava.
We present a case of successful implantation of a permanent pacemaker through an unusual course of a persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC). A young male patient presented with symptomatic bradycardia and a heart rate of 35 beats per minute. ⋯ PLSVC should be suspected whenever the catheter takes an unusual position during central venous catheterization. Most right heart catheterization procedures, including permanent pacemaker implantation, can be safely completed in spite of this anomaly.
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Researchers in oral cancer agree that the early diagnosis of oral carcinoma greatly increases the probability of cure with minimum impairment and deformity. Primary prevention which involves reducing the exposure to tobacco, alcohol and betel quid has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of oral cancer. Secondary prevention involves screening for the early detection of oral cancer. ⋯ Whatever screening method is used, a positive screening result must be confirmed by biopsy. A public awareness programme that stresses the importance of at least one annual dental examination, identification of warning signs of oral cancer and recognition of the hazards of tobacco and alcohol use is necessary to reverse the high morbidity and mortality rates associated with this disease. In the future, the identification of oncogene and tumour suppressor gene mutations in biopsy specimens may give a clearer indication of the likely behaviour of suspicious oral lesions.