Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Dermatologic Emergency and the Role of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare and severe mucocutaneous disorder characterized by mucosal and epidermal necrosis and sloughing. This potentially life-threatening condition, together with the less severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome, is commonly caused by an immunologic reaction to medications and can lead to many long-term complications. The disorder initially presents with fever, malaise, and painful mucosal ulcerations (most commonly oral) but progresses to widespread cutaneous lesions. A 14-year-old male patient was prescribed minocycline for treatment of his acne by his primary care doctor. Three weeks into the antibiotic treatment, he was admitted in distress, with a diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson syndrome that subsequently progressed to TEN. We present a discussion of the importance of early recognition and diagnosis of this condition by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and a description of our patient's treatment and management during his hospital stay.

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Anesthesia Team Model.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have been providing safe anesthesia to their patients using the anesthesia team model; this has allowed access to care for patients that have significant anxiety. The AAOMS strives to maintain the excellent safety record of the anesthesia team model by creating simulation programs in anesthesia, regularly updating the office anesthesia evaluation program, convening anesthesia safety conferences and strengthening the standards in our training programs. Through these efforts, our delivery of anesthesia to our patients will remain safe and effective.

"Ossifying" mucoepidermoid carcinoma: A deceptive clinical presentation.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common salivary gland malignancy, accounting for 27% of all salivary gland cancers. Identified in 1921 and first analyzed in 1945, mucoepidermoid carcinoma has demonstrated a widely diverse histology with several morphologic variants having been described. One rare feature is the formation of intratumoral bone, which has been previously reported once in the English language literature. Though the etiology of these calcifications is still not known, it is believed that this finding is independent of overall disease prognosis. This case report illustrates this unusual feature in a 48-year-old Hispanic woman who initially presented with a floor of mouth swelling. Computed tomography examination subsequently revealed a soft tissue mass with intralesional radiopacities. Despite its relative rarity, it is important for practitioners to be aware of this unique presentation in that it may help to avoid misdiagnosis and delays in treatment.