Peri-implant medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw mimicking endodontic disease in a cancer patient: A case report.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a progressive condition that can cause significant bone loss and its diagnosis can be challenging. A 68-year-old man with a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, undergoing treatment with atezolizumab, bevacizumab and zoledronic acid, complained of spontaneous pain in the right lower second premolar. Oral examination revealed no dental changes and implants in the right jaw. A patient history and thorough clinical and radiographic examinations mimic endodontic disease. The implant crowns were removed, bleeding on probing, and peri-implant pockets were observed. The main hypothesis was MRONJ Stage 2, and the surgical treatment was performed. The pain ceased and signs of MRONJ were not observed within 3 months. MRONJ should be considered as a hypothesis in the case of odontalgia and a patient's history of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies. Furthermore, monitoring patients with dental implants in the mandible through detailed clinical and imaging evaluation is required.

Intraosseous benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor of the jaws: report of 4 new cases and a comprehensive literature review.

Benign peripheral nerve sheath tumors (BPNSTs) are a vast, common, heterogeneous group of lesions that are often diagnostically challenging. The head and neck region is recognized as the second most common location for these lesions, especially the tongue. However, BPNSTs occurring centrally within the jaw bones are exceedingly rare. To date, approximately 161 cases of intraosseous BPNSTs have been reported in the jaws. This group mainly includes the relatively more common neurofibromas and schwannomas, and the less common perineuriomas and hybrid forms. Unlike soft tissues, schwannomas are the most common BPNSTs occurring within the jaws, followed by neurofibromas and perineuriomas. These neoplasms can present as a well-defined unilocular lesion or as an ill-defined multilocular image, resembling several types of benign and malignant lesions of odontogenic origin. The aim of the current study was to report 4 new cases of intraosseous BPNSTs and a comprehensive literature review.

Report of intraosseous intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia associated with an odontogenic cyst in the maxilla and literature review.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH) represents an uncommon reactive endothelial hyperplastic proliferation. A 46-year-old man experienced increased volume in the right maxilla, elevation of the nasal ala, and swelling of the hard palate with a reddish hue for 3 months. Computed tomography revealed an expansive hypodense region and cortical bone destruction associated with an impacted supernumerary tooth and an endodontically treated tooth. Under the differential diagnoses of a radicular cyst, dentigerous cyst, and ameloblastoma, an exploratory aspiration and incisional biopsy were performed. This revealed the formation of blood vessels of various diameters lined by endothelium, forming intravascular papillae positive for CD-34. The definitive diagnosis was IPEH, and the patient was treated by embolization and surgery. Histological analysis confirmed the presence of IPEH associated with an odontogenic cyst. After 12 months of follow-up, no recurrence was observed. Also, we reviewed case reports of IPEH affecting the maxilla and mandible. Fourteen intraosseous cases were reported in the maxilla and mandible, with a preference for males and affecting a wide age range. Complete surgical excision was the treatment of choice, and recurrences were not reported. The pathogenesis of IPEH is controversial and may originate from trauma or inflammatory processes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of an association of IPEH with an odontogenic cyst. The importance of IPEH in the differential diagnosis of intraosseous lesions in the jaws is emphasized, and preoperative semiotic maneuvers are needed to prevent surgical complications.

Malignant tumors affecting the head and neck region in ancient times: Comprehensive study of the CRAB Database.

In the modern world, cancer is a growing cause of mortality, but archeological studies have shown that it is not exclusive to modern populations. The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiologic, social, and clinicopathologic features of head and neck cancers in ancient populations. To do this, we extracted all records that described malignant lesions in the head and neck region available in the Cancer Research in Ancient Bodies Database (CRAB). The estimated age, sex, physical condition of the remains (skeletonized, mummified), anatomic location of tumors, geographic location, chronology, tumor type, and methods of tumor diagnosis were collected. One hundred and sixty-seven cases were found, mostly originating from Europe (51.5%). Most records were of adults between 35 and 49 years of age (37.7%). The most involved site was the skullcap (60.4%), and the most common malignancies were metastases to the bone (65.3%) and multiple myeloma (17.4%). No primary soft tissue malignancies were registered. The results of our study indicate that head and neck cancers were present in ancient civilizations, at least since 500,000 BCE. The available data can help to improve the current understanding of the global distribution of head and neck cancer and its multidimensional impacts on populations in the contemporary world.

DNA content and clinicopathological features aid in distinguishing ameloblastic carcinoma from ameloblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma are epithelial odontogenic tumors that can be morphologically similar. In the present study, we evaluated the DNA content and Ki-67 index in the two tumors. METHODS: The paraffin blocks of the tumors were selected to obtain sections for the immunohistochemical reactions and preparation of the cell suspension for acquisition in a flow cytometer. The Random Forest package of the R software was used to verify the contribution of each variable to classify lesions into ameloblastoma or ameloblastic carcinoma. RESULTS: Thirty-two ameloblastoma and five ameloblastic carcinoma were included in the study. In our sample, we did not find statistically significant differences in Ki-67 labeling rates. A higher fraction of cells in 2c (G1) was correlated with the diagnosis of ameloblastoma, whereas higher rates of 5c-exceeding rate (5cER) were correlated with ameloblastic carcinoma. The Random Forest model highlighted histopathological findings and parameters of DNA ploidy study as important features for distinguishing ameloblastoma from ameloblastic carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the parameters of the DNA ploidy study can be ancillary tools in the classification of ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma.

Malignant tumors affecting the head and neck region in ancient times: Comprehensive study of the CRAB Database

Abstract In the modern world, cancer is a growing cause of mortality, but archeological studies have shown that it is not exclusive to modern populations. The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiologic, social, and clinicopathologic features of head and neck cancers in ancient populations. To do this, we extracted all records that described malignant lesions in the head and neck region available in the Cancer Research in Ancient Bodies Database (CRAB). The estimated age, sex, physical condition of the remains (skeletonized, mummified), anatomic location of tumors, geographic location, chronology, tumor type, and methods of tumor diagnosis were collected. One hundred and sixty-seven cases were found, mostly originating from Europe (51.5%). Most records were of adults between 35 and 49 years of age (37.7%). The most involved site was the skullcap (60.4%), and the most common malignancies were metastases to the bone (65.3%) and multiple myeloma (17.4%). No primary soft tissue malignancies were registered. The results of our study indicate that head and neck cancers were present in ancient civilizations, at least since 500,000 BCE. The available data can help to improve the current understanding of the global distribution of head and neck cancer and its multidimensional impacts on populations in the contemporary world.

Clinical outcomes of dental implants in head and neck cancer patients: An overview.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of dental implants (DIs) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) treated with radiotherapy (RT), isolated chemotherapy, or bone modifying agents (BMAs). STUDY DESIGN: This study was registered in the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42018102772); conducted via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist; and based on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and gray literature searches. The selection of studies was performed in 2 phases by 2 independent reviewers. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by the Measurement Tool to Assess the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews 2. RESULTS: Twenty systematic reviews were included in the qualitative analysis. The majority scored as having high RoB (n = 11). Primary DIs placement in the mandible of patients with HNC subjected to RT doses <50 Gy was associated with better survival rates. CONCLUSIONS: The placements of DIs could be considered safe in patients with HNC in sites of alveolar bone that received RT (≤5000 Gy); however, no conclusions could be made in patients with cancer managed by chemotherapy or BMAs. Due to the heterogeneity of studies included, the recommendation for DIs placement in patients with cancer should be carefully considered. Future better controlled randomized clinical trials are required to provide enhanced clinical guidelines for best patient care.

Can the prophylactic use of pentoxifylline and tocopherol before dental extractions prevent osteoradionecrosis? A systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to determine whether the pentoxifylline and tocopherol (PENTO) protocol effectively reduce the risk of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in patients undergoing tooth extraction after head and neck radiotherapy. METHODS: We searched PubMed, SCOPUS, LILACS, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to August 2022. We considered only studies that included patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer undergoing tooth extraction with PENTO prophylaxis after radiotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 642 studies identified, 4 were included. Across the included studies, 387 patients had 1871 teeth extracted while on PENTO prophylaxis. The interval of the PENTO protocol differed among the studies included. Overall, a total of 12 (3.1%) patients had ORN, whereas at the individual tooth level analysis the ORN rate was 0.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient evidence exists to promote using the PENTO protocol before dental extractions to prevent ORN.

Synchronous jawbone diseases: a multicenter retrospective study.

The aim of this study is to report an original case series of synchronous jawbone diseases. Data of patients seen over 13 years were extracted from the files of three Oral Radiology and Pathology diagnostic centers in Brazil. The clinical, radiographic, and laboratory characteristics were tabulated and analyzed by the authors; the patients were described according to lesion type. Seventy-two synchronous jawbone diseases were included in this study. Florid osseous dysplasia, Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, and cherubism were the most frequent disorders reported in this case series. In addition, the posterior mandible area was the main site of manifestation. Florid osseous dysplasia and Gorlin-Goltz syndrome represented two-thirds of our samples. With the utilization of adequate demographic, clinical, and radiologic information, it is possible to diagnose most of the synchronous lesions of jawbones. Sometimes, however, we need complementary exams, such as histopathologic and biochemical analysis or dosing of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase.

Rhabdomyosarcoma with TFCP2 Rearrangement or Typical Co-expression of AE1/AE3 and ALK: Report of Three New Cases in the Head and Neck Region and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) harboring EWSR1/FUS-TFCP2 fusions has been recently described as a distinct form of RMS with an aggressive course and predilection for the craniofacial bones, especially the jaws. METHODS: We report three new cases of this rare entity, two from Brazil and one from Guatemala, with detailed clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular descriptions. Additionally, we explored the English-language literature searching RMS with TFCP2 rearrangement or typical immunophenotype with co-expression of AE1/AE3 and ALK in the head and neck region. RESULTS: Case 1 is a 58-year-old male with a 3-month history of painful swelling in the anterior maxilla. Case 2 is a 22-year-old male presenting with right facial swelling and proptosis. Case 3 is a 43-year-old female with a rapidly growing tumor located in the zygomatic region. Imaging examinations revealed highly destructive intraosseous masses in the first two cases, and a soft tissue tumor with bone invasion in case 3. Microscopically, all cases showed a hybrid spindle and epithelioid phenotype of tumor cells which expressed desmin, myogenin and/or Myo-D1, AE1/AE3, and ALK. FISH confirmed molecular alterations related to TFCP2 rearrangement in Cases 1-2. In case 3, there was no available material for molecular analysis. The patients were subsequently referred to oncologic treatment. Additionally, we summarized the clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of 27 cases of this rare RMS variant in the head and neck region reported in the English-language literature. CONCLUSION: RMS with TFCP2 rearrangement is a rare and aggressive tumor with a particular predilection for craniofacial bones, especially the jaws. Knowing its clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical profile can avoid misdiagnosis.

Synchronous jawbone diseases: a multicenter retrospective study

Abstract The aim of this study is to report an original case series of synchronous jawbone diseases. Data of patients seen over 13 years were extracted from the files of three Oral Radiology and Pathology diagnostic centers in Brazil. The clinical, radiographic, and laboratory characteristics were tabulated and analyzed by the authors; the patients were described according to lesion type. Seventy-two synchronous jawbone diseases were included in this study. Florid osseous dysplasia, Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, and cherubism were the most frequent disorders reported in this case series. In addition, the posterior mandible area was the main site of manifestation. Florid osseous dysplasia and Gorlin-Goltz syndrome represented two-thirds of our samples. With the utilization of adequate demographic, clinical, and radiologic information, it is possible to diagnose most of the synchronous lesions of jawbones. Sometimes, however, we need complementary exams, such as histopathologic and biochemical analysis or dosing of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase.

Magnetic resonance imaging texture analysis to differentiate ameloblastoma from odontogenic keratocyst.

The differentiation between ameloblastoma (AB) and odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is essential for the formulation of the surgical plan, especially considering the biological behavior of these two pathological entities. Therefore, developing means to increase the accuracy of the diagnostic process is extremely important for a safe treatment. The aim of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on texture analysis (TA) as an aid in differentiating AB from OKC. This study comprised 18 patients; eight patients with AB and ten with OKC. All diagnoses were determined through incisional biopsy and later through histological examination of the surgical specimen. MRI was performed using a 3 T scanner with a neurovascular coil according to a specific protocol. All images were exported to segmentation software in which the volume of interest (VOI) was determined by a radiologist, who was blind to the histopathological results. Next, the textural parameters were computed by using the MATLAB software. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between texture parameters and the selected variables. Differences in TA parameters were compared between AB and OKC by using the Mann-Whitney test. Mann-Whitney test showed a statistically significant difference between AB and OKC for the parameters entropy (P = 0.033) and sum average (P = 0.033). MRI texture analysis has the potential to discriminate between AB and OKC as a noninvasive method. MRI texture analysis can be an additional tool to differentiate ameloblastoma from odontogenic keratocyst.

To extract or not extract teeth prior to head and neck radiotherapy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Teeth with poor prognosis are generally recommended to be extracted prior to head and neck radiotherapy (RT) to reduce the risk of developing osteoradionecrosis (ORN), although controversies have been reported. The present systematic review aimed to determine whether tooth extraction prior to head and neck RT may be associated with a reduced risk of developing ORN compared to dental extraction during or after RT. METHODS: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021241631). The review was reported according to the PRISMA checklist and involved a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and Web of Science, in addition to the gray literature. The selection of studies was performed in two phases by two reviewers independently. The risk of bias of individual studies was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for cross-sectional studies, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE tool. RESULTS: Twenty-eight observational studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, which showed substantial heterogeneity regarding the association between the timing of tooth extraction and ORN development. Twenty-seven of 28 studies were pooled in a meta-analysis that demonstrated a significant association between an increased risk of ORN and post-RT tooth extraction (odds ratio: 1.98; 95% CI: 1.17-3.35; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: It was confirmed with moderate certainty that dental extractions should be performed prior to the start of head and neck RT to reduce the risk of ORN.

Clinicoradiological spectrum of primary aneurysmal bone cysts of the maxillofacial region: A series of 31 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to analyse the demographic, clinical and radiological features of primary aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) involving the maxillofacial region. METHODS: Histologically confirmed cases affecting the maxillofacial region were retrospectively reviewed over a 21-year period (2000-2021). Cases were collected from the archives of five Oral Pathology laboratories from three countries: South Africa, Guatemala and Brazil. The information was analysed, with emphasis on the clinical and radiological spectrum. RESULTS: Following the inclusion criteria, a total of 31 cases of primary ABCs were included in the study. A nearly equal male-to-female distribution was seen, with ABCs occurring in males at an earlier age compared to females. Localised swelling was the main clinical presentation. ABCs had a mandibular predominance, particularly in the posterior regions. All ABCs presented as blow-out expansile well-demarcated radiolucent lesions with the majority having a multilocular appearance. Cortical expansion was seen in 91% of cases with loss of cortical integrity being common (78%). CONCLUSION: Primary ABCs involving the maxillofacial region are extremely rare with the majority of current published literature consisting of isolated case reports. The current study is the first large series detailing the radiological features.

Surgical Treatment of Ameloblastoma: How Does It Impact the Oral Health-Related Quality of Life? A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to analyze the impact of surgical treatment on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with ameloblastoma. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Science Direct, LILACS, EMBASE, and Web of Science, up to February 2021, with no time restriction. We considered only studies published in English that evaluated patients diagnosed with ameloblastoma who underwent conservative or radical surgical treatments using a quality of life (QOL) instrument. RESULTS: Of the 2155 studies identified, ten were included in our sample. Only studies that analyzed QOL of radical surgical treatment were included. No studies that analyzed QOL after conservative surgical treatment were found. Across all studies, 283 patients (122 females and 161 males; mean age: 28.13 years) were surgically treated for ameloblastoma. A total of 69 complications were reported, with the most frequent being infection in both the donor and recipient site (18 cases) and graft loss (8 cases). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of ameloblastoma was effective in providing reasonable health-related QOL, as most of the assessed dimensions were found to improve.

Oral medicine (stomatology) in Brazil: the first 50 years and counting.

This review outlines the historical perspective, status, and future challenges of oral medicine (stomatology) in Brazil based on the records of the Brazilian Society of Stomatology and Oral Pathology (SOBEP) and the Brazilian Federal Dental Council as well as expert evidence input from academic leaders from 3 different generations of Brazilian oral medicine specialists. The beginning of oral medicine in Brazil dates to 1969, followed by the organization of SOBEP in 1974; however, official recognition as an independent specialty was achieved more recently within the Brazilian Federal Dental Council in 1992. After a 50-year maturation period of oral medicine in Brazil in terms of specialty crystallization across dentistry, medicine, and research, it is now time to follow the historical trends of the specialty internationally and establish a standard curriculum at a post-graduate level that will lead to uniformity of training for oral medicine in Brazil.

DNA methylation status of MutS genes in ameloblastoma.

OBJECTIVES: Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic epithelial tumour with a low expression of mismatch repair system components. We aimed to investigate the methylation status of the genes MSH2, MSH3 and MSH6 (MutS group) in conventional ameloblastomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ameloblastoma and dental follicle samples (n = 10 each) were collected from 20 different patients. Each ameloblastoma sample was sectioned into two fragments: one was paraffin-embedded while the other one, likewise the dental follicle samples, was fixed in RNAlater and frozen at -196°C. All frozen samples were investigated for the MutS genes methylation levels, using the enzymatic restriction digestion and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. The ameloblastoma paraffin-embedded samples were submitted to immunohistochemical reactions for MutS proteins detection and digitally quantification. Correlation analyses were performed between the immunohistochemical results and the respective gene methylation percentage. RESULTS: There are no significant differences between the MutS genes methylation levels in the ameloblastoma and the dental follicle. However, a strong negative correlation was found between MSH2 and MSH6 gene methylation status and their respective proteins expressions evaluated by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the genes methylations is in part responsible for decreasing the expression of MSH2 and MSH6 genes in ameloblastoma.

Brain abscesses due to odontogenic infection: Case series.

Brain abscesses due to odontogenic infection are infrequent, but they deserve attention due to the high incidence of serious complications and the high mortality rate. This article aimed to report five cases of cerebral abscess due to odontogenic infection, of patients attended in the Clinical Hospital of Medical School of the University of São Paulo (HCFMUSP). In all cases, treatment consisted of draining the brain abscess, antibiotic therapy and extraction of all teeth responsible for the infection. Streptococcus spp. was the causative agent of all the cases reported in this article. The purpose of the study was to highlight the importance of the dental approach for the resolution of cases.