Consensus Report and Recommendations on the Management of Late-stage Internal Derangement of the Temporomandibular Joint.

Introduction: This report investigates late-stage internal derangement (ID) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) with the aim of establishing a more effective and personalized treatment protocol to improve patients' quality of life (QoL). Material and methods: A consensus was reached among maxillofacial surgeons specializing in LSID, based on a literature research and collective expert experience following the Delphi method. Consensus was considered to be achieved when a response received at least 80% of votes. Results: Four expert groups were established, respectively, focusing on diagnosis, minimally invasive surgery (MIS), open surgery and joint replacement. A comprehensive approach to late-stage ID of the TMJ requires a consensus report. This underscores the need for a personalized treatment plan, considering the variability in clinical presentations and progression of this pathology. Our recommendations aim to optimize clinical outcomes and enhance patient QoL.

Proposal and Validation of a New Index to Assess the Difficulty of Lower Third Molar Extraction.

There is no current consensus on the parameters that determine the difficulty of mandibular third molar extraction in terms of the time required, which is essential to prevent complications and optimize the time of the intervention. This study aims to obtain, using the mathematical method of multiple linear regression, an equation that allows estimating the extraction time of a lower third molar according to its complexity, as well as to validate this equation in a sample of external wisdom teeth. METHODS: A prospective cohort study on a sample of patients of the Master of Oral Surgery of the University of Seville in which multiple linear regression coefficients were calculated with a subsequent validation study of the results in the sample of patients operated in the Hospital Palmaplanas of Mallorca. RESULTS: The regression line obtained after applying the statistical methodology to the cohort of patients from the University of Seville obtained significant dependent variables such as depth, roots, and odontosection. Once applied to the cohort of patients from the Palmaplanas Hospital in Mallorca, a regression coefficient was obtained between the data received and the estimated 0.770. CONCLUSIONS: The formula proposed in this article presents significant validity in the prediction of the surgical time of extraction of the lower third molars included.

Surgical ciliated cyst of the maxilla after orthognathic surgery: A case report.

Surgical ciliated cysts are rare benign cystic lesions that generally occur a number of years after invasive surgical procedures or trauma involving the maxilla. The appearance of this cyst after orthognathic surgery is a complication that has rarely been reported. It usually shows as a well-defined radiolucency in the maxilla in young adults mimicking other maxillary cysts. Therefore, an exhaustive clinical-radiological diagnosis is needed to establish its differential diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The present study describes the case of a surgical ciliated cyst that appeared 20 years after LeFort I orthognathic surgery. Treatment consisted of complete enucleation with primary closure and removal of osteosynthesis material. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a maxillary cyst lined with pseudostratified ciliated columnar cells. Clinicians should be aware of this rare type of cyst in patients with a history of maxillary surgery or trauma to establish a differential diagnosis and ensure appropriate management.

Detection of NOTCH1 mutations in paraffin samples in patients with potentially malignant lesions.

Background: On certain occasions, oral cancer is preceded by potentially malignant lesions. The degree of dysplasia in Guinea pigs attempts to determine the risk of developing a malignant lesion. The search for genetic mutations, biomarkers, as a more truthful and reproducible diagnostic tool, tries to fill the gaps in the anatomopathological study. In this line, the present retrospective case-control study is based on the detection of known mutations of the NOTCH1 gene in biopsied samples of potentially malignant lesions from 22 patients who attend the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery service of the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital. Material and Methods: DNA extraction after dewaxing of the samples using the Minikit QIAamp DNA FFPE tissue extraction kit with extraction kit (reference 56404) of QIAGEN. Subsequently, with the DNA obtained, 4 amplification reactions were carried out using enzyme polymerase. Before sequencing the samples, they were purified with the ExoSAP-IT for PCR product cleaning kit of the INVITROGEN brand. Finally, to detect somatic mutations in NOTCH1, TaqMan Mutation Detection Assays was used and for the analysis of mutations we worked with the Mutation Detector software. Results: The mutation for NOTCH1 is not detected, the studied sample does not present the mutation, or it is below the limits of detection of the software. Conclusions: In the clinical setting of the sample, the NOTCH1 mutation seems to be not very frequent, although NOTCH1 has been described as a gene related to oral cancer in other geographical settings. Key words:Oral cancer, NOTCH1, mutations.

Bone necrosis as a complication of sodium hypochlorite extrusion. A case report.

Sodium hypochlorite is the most used irrigant in endodontics, although its toxic effect on tissue is known. Sodium hypochlorite extrusion to periapical tissue can cause complications of varying severity, from oedemas and haemorrhagic lesions to life-threatening ones due to airway compromise. Our patient attended the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department of the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital and was referred by his dentist after bone exposure as a result of irrigant extrusion during endodontics on tooth 14. Sodium hypochlorite caused significant bone and mucosal tissue necrosis to teeth 13-16, with communication to the maxillary sinus. Several surgical procedures were needed to perform the correct debridement of the necrotic tissue and obtain good mucous. Precautions need to be taken during the use of NaOCl to avoid spreading to surrounding tissue. In cases with open apexes and apical lesion, the use of safer irrigants should be considered as an alternative. Key words:Sodium hypochlorite, extrusion, complication, bone necrosis.

Metallothioneins in Dental Implant Treatment Failure and Periodontitis in Patients with Down's Syndrome: Validation of Results.

Metallothioneins (MTs) are low molecular weight cysteine-rich proteins that can bind up to seven zinc ions. Among their numerous functions, MTs appear to act as protectors against oxidative and inflammatory injury. In our first published study, we reported downregulation of the isoforms MT1B (fold distance (FD) -2. 95; p = 0.0024), MT1F (FD -1.72; p = 0.0276), MT1X (FD -3.09; p = 0.0021), MT1H (FD -2.39; p = 0.0018), MT1M (FD -2.37; p = 0.0092), MT1L (FD -2. 55; p = 0.0048), MT1E (FD -2.71; p = 0.0014), MT2A (FD -2.35; p = 0.0072), MT1G (FD -2.24; p = 0.0118), and MT1A (FD -2.82; p = 0.0023) by comparing Down's syndrome patients with periodontal disease and implant failure to those without periodontal disease and with a positive progression of their implants. In this gene validation study, we intended to verify the results of our first gene expression analysis. Materials and Methods: In our retrospective case-control study, we performed retrotranscription (RT-qPCR) of 11 RNA-to-cDNA samples using the SuperScript™ VILO™ kit (50; reference 1,176,605) from Thermo Fisher. We conducted the study using the real-time PCR technique on the q-PCR ViiA 7 platform from Thermo Fisher. We chose the format of the Taqman Array Plate 16 Plus (reference 4,413,261) from Thermo Fisher, which accommodates 12 genes plus four controls (GAPDH, 18S, ACTB, and HPRT1). We conducted the analysis of the plates using the Thermo Fisher Cloud Web Software. Results: The results obtained through gene validation analysis show that in PD+RI+ patients, the genes encoding the isoforms MT1F (FD 0.3; p = 0.039), MT1X (FD 338; p = 0.0078), MT1E (FD 307; p = 0.0358), and MT2A (FD 252; p = 0.0428) continue to show downregulation, whereas MT1B (FD 2.75; p = 0.580), MT1H (FD 281; p = 0.152), MT1L (FD 354; p = 0.0965), and MT1G (FD 336; p = 0.0749) no longer show statistically significant results.

Mutations in p53 Gene Exons in a Sample from the South of Spain in Oral Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a genetic disease caused by mutations in DNA and epigenetic alterations that control gene expression. The majority of epidermoid carcinomas develop within the fields of epithelial genetic alterations. The mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis of epidermoid carcinoma are as yet unknown; therefore, precise identification of the risk factors is needed. Aim: The main aim of this study is to analyse and identify the emergence of the mutations described in the literature of the p53 gene with regard to the emergence of cancer in a sample of dysplastic and cancerous lesions in oral cavity mucosa in the population of the south of Spain, in order to determine the presence of said mutations and the percentage of them in our population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, with a sample size of 22 patients with potentially malignant oral lesions ancillary to biopsy. All were patients, of both sexes, over 18 years of age from the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital with potentially malignant lesions in oral mucosa ancillary to biopsy (leukoplakias, erythroplasias or leukoerythopkias). An anatomopathological study was performed on all the samples and the lesions were divided into three types: low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. In respect of the genome study process, a complete search or scan for mutations in exons 5, 6, 8 and 9 of the p 53 gene was carried out, given that in the IARC database we observed that the 5 and 6 as well as the 8 and 9 exon sizes can be scanned completely in this way, since they have amplificon sizes of 476 and 445 base pairs respectively. RESULTS: In the scan for the complete exons 5, 6, 8 and 9 only a single result of interest was found to be described. In patient NBI 57 a change was observed in the TAT triplet by ATT of EXON 6, the change being of the T nucleotide by the A and in both directions both in Forward and Reverse. The exact location in the NCBI is GR Ch 37 p13 on chromosome 17, EXON 6 of the P53 gene and the change is in the C.613 T>A nucleotide; NM_000546. CONCLUSIONS: On reviewing this genetic variant in different scientific databases, such as ENSEMBL among others, in at least 6 different biocomputing tools it is described as a pathogen, therefore we can conclude that it is a pathogenic mutation for this case in particular. The rest of the mutations described in the literature on exons 5, 6, 8 and 9 of the p53 gene have not been found in our sample. Key words:Oral cancer, p53, Mutations, Exon.

Internal oblique line implants in severe mandibular atrophies.

BACKGROUND: Maxillary atrophy may be related to mechanical, inflammatory or systemic factors, being a consequence of a reduction in the amount and quality of available bone. Several surgical techniques have been developed for the restoration of bone volume needed for placing dental implants; guided bone regeneration or three-dimensional reconstructions with autologous bone, inter alia, are techniques described in the literature which demonstrate this, all of which preceded by a proper prosthetic surgical assessment. Even when the majority of authors recommend the use of these techniques prior to placing implants, it has been shown that implants with a smaller diameter and length may be placed in severely atrophied jaws without the need for performing any surgery, offering excellent results. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four (24) implants were placed in six patients with severe mandibular atrophy. The implants were placed in the anterior sector and on an internal oblique line. Patients were rehabilitated with a total implant-supported prosthesis, with monitoring over a 10-year period. RESULTS: After a 12-month monitoring period, all the patients presented successful rehabilitation. Marginal bone loss in general (n=24 implants) was +0.11 mm ± 0.53. In the implants in zones 1 and 4 (posterior) it was +0.06 mm ± 0.48 and in implants in zones 2 and 3 (anterior), +0.14 mm ± 0.57. CONCLUSIONS: Implants can be placed in the anterior zone and on an internal oblique line in patients with severe mandibular atrophy, using a diameter and length adapted to bone availability, for later prosthetic rehabilitation, offering satisfactory results since phonetic and masticatory function can be restored, as well as facial and buccal aesthetics, in a single surgical operation, with minimum morbidity. Key words:Severe atrophy, implants, bone grafts, ridge atrophy, internal oblique line.

Application of Human Amniotic Membrane in Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis.

Human amniotic membrane (HAM) has recently been used as an interpositional material to prevent ankylosis or primary re-ankylosis after temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthroplasty. Here, the authors describe an unusual case of a 32-year-old woman who presented with a noninflammatory degenerative osteoarthritis of the TMJ in which a HAM was placed following a high condylar arthroplasty and discectomy and show the clinicoradiological results. The procedure resulted in total pain relief and significant improvement in jaw movements. On the long-term follow-up computed tomography, complete remodeling of the glenoid fossa with formation of new ectopic bone was observed. While the application of a HAM can be an alternative procedure to prevent ankylosis when performing a discectomy and arthroplasty, this clinical report highlights the possibility that it can induce ectopic bone formation at this location.

Stem cells and oral surgery: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Considering the structural loss that occurs after surgical procedures for cystic and tumoral pathology, in periodontitis, as well as the maxillary atrophy that determines the rehabilitation with dental implants, it is imperative to find satisfactory solutions. The opportunity provided by the findings in stem cells is a recent introduction in the field of oral surgery, based on the regenerative potential that these cells possess in order to restore defects at different levels of the oral cavity. The aim of this systematic review is to discover the real applications that stem cells may have in our treatments in the near future. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We made a systematic review of the literature on the subject of stem cells to know the publications relating to them in the field of oral surgery since 2000. PRISMA statement was accomplished, as its official flow chart is used. RESULTS: This article draws clinical conclusions from basic research and those conducted in the first clinical cases to apply them in a short period of time to our patients in order to achieve excellence in regenerative therapies. CONCLUSIONS: To summarize, stem cells may be a turning point in tissue regeneration, though the major challenge is to overcome the remaining obstacles before they become a realistic therapeutic alternative. Key words:Stem cells, oral surgery, cell therapy, regeneration.

Implant survival in patients with oral cancer: A 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the evolution of patients rehabilitated with endosseous implants after oral cancer treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An observational retrospective study was carried out between 1991 and 2011 with a sample consisting of patients with oral cancer who had been referred for rehabilitation to the Prosthetics Rehabilitation Unit from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital. All these patients have overcome oral cancer, and have a five-year follow-up after their oral rehabilitation. Age, sex, smoking habits, oral pathology, type of treatment of oral pathology, edentulism, receptor bone, prosthetic rehabilitation, timeouts, working time and evolution were studied. SPSS Statistics was used for statistical analysis of the variables studied. A chi-square test centered on the survival rate of implants placed in relation to the other recorded variables was performed. RESULTS: 17 patients were treated for cancer and rehabilitated with implant prosthetics, with a total of 106 implants placed. 32% were partially edentulous patients (4 patients), and 68.2% were completely edentulous patients (13 patients). An implant survival rate of 87.7% was observed at 5 years. In the upper maxilla, the survival rate was 79.2%, and in the mandible 93.7% (p = 0.03). 91 implants were placed in native receptor bones (85.8%), with only 15 implants placed in grafted receptor bone (14.2%). According to the type of receptor bone, in native receptor bones, 9 implants failed (90.1% of implant survival), while in grafted receptor bones, 4 implants failed (overall 73.3% implant survival rate) (p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: Although a high survival rate was obtained in this study (with lower survival rates seen in mandible and grafted bone), prospective long-term studies are needed to assess the relationship between radiotherapy doses and the time required for implant placement, prosthetic protocol used, and type of implants used in patients selected for prosthetic rehabilitation. Key words:Dental implant, oral cancer, survival.

Papilla and pontic area regeneration in patient with gingival smile: A clinical case.

PURPOSE: Connective tissue grafts are widely documented as a predictable technique for treating Miller Class I and II recessions, as well as procedures in which soft tissue augmentation is required for aesthetic reasons. This article aims to explore the resolution of a clinical case with this type of problema. CLINICAL CASE: This case describes a technique for reconstructing a pontic area and adjacent papilla by means of two consecutive connective tissue grafts. The first graft served to increase the amount of tissue in the horizontal direction, and the second promoted vertical reconstruction of the defect. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In cases with aesthetic requirements, restorative intervention may be able to mask tissue loss, but it can hardly achieve optimal aesthetic results. Periodontal plastic surgery techniques can be used to achieve that ideal result. The clinician must diagnose conditions in order to select correct treatment regimen for each individual case. Key words:Papilla, gingival smile, pontic, restorative dentistry.

Evolution of oral health in oral cancer patients with and without dental treatment in place: Before, during and after cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the influence of two dental treatment protocols, outpatient non-regulated treatment versus supervised hospital treatment, on the oral health of patients undergoing oral cancer (only radiochemotherapy treatment, not surgical) treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study used a quasi-experimental approach justified on ethical grounds. A total of 41 patients were included in the control group (outpatient non-regulated treatment) and 40 patients in the experimental group (in-hospital supervised treatment). The patients were treated only with chemotherapy (not surgical treatment was made) for oral cancer. This decision was taken by the oncology committee of the hospital without being influenced by this study. Data regarding plaque index, daily brushing habits, appearance of new cavities, need for extractions, appearance of candidiasis and use of prosthetics in both groups were collected at three points throughout the study: before starting cancer treatment, during treatment and after treatment. The values obtained using the Student's t-test and chi-squared were compared. RESULTS: Based on similar patient backgrounds, throughout cancer treatment the intervention under study resulted in a decrease in plaque index, necessary extractions, and incidence of decay, as well as an increase in daily brushing among other improvements in oral health observed in the experimental group versus the control group. CONCLUSIONS: From our data, we can confirm that supervised dental treatment performed during oral cancer treatment produced an improvement in the oral health of patients with oral cancer. Key words:Oral cancer, dental treatment, quality of life, oncology, dentistry.

Evolution of oral cancer treatment in an andalusian population sample: Rehabilitation with prosthetic obturation and removable partial prosthesis.

BACKGROUND: Radical surgical resection as a treatment modality for oral cancer often leads to an extensive deficit in both the maxillary and mandibular levels, where the use of a palatal obturator prosthesis (POP) or removable partial denture (RPP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the treatment with POP and RPP in patients treated for oral cancer in the Unit of Prosthetic Rehabilitation of the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío in a period of 20 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study during the years 1991 and 2011 analyzing oral cancer type, characteristics, treatment and follow-up. The sample consisted of patients whose tumor had previously been removed and who had been referred to the Oncological Rehabilitation Unit of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of the "Virgen del Rocío" University Hospital for rehabilitation. The inclusion criteria were patients whose underlying pathology was any type of neoplasia, which after its treatment had been referred to the aforementioned Oncological Prosthetic Rehabilitation unit. RESULTS: Of the 45 patients included in our study, 15 patients were rehabilitated with palatal obturator (33.3%) and 5 patients with removable partial denture (11.1%). The mean age of the sample of patients with POP was 57.3 ± 9.23, while the mean age of the sample of patients with RPP was 58 ± 13.5. The most common underlying pathology in patients with POP was squamous cell carcinoma (60%), whereas in patients with RPP it was 100%. The most frequent location found among POP patients was the upper jaw, while in the PRP patients there was no predominant location. The univariate and multivariate logistic regressions did not show any statistically significant association between the independent variables age, sex, smoking habit and alcoholic habit with the dependent variable type of rehabilitating prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our data, we can conclude that RPP is used in few cases of oncological rehabilitation. The POP has a greater use, as long as the defect in the bones of the facial middle third is limited. Key words:Head and neck cancer, reconstructive surgery, Palatal obturators, removable partial dentures.

Combination of straight and tilted implants for supporting screw-retained dental prostheses in atrophic posterior maxillae: A 2-year prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the two-year survival rate (SR) and marginal bone loss (MBL) of fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) supported by straight (S) and tilted (T) implants under the influence of diverse study variables. METHODS: A prospective investigation comprising 21 patients provided with a total of 27 maxillary screw-retained restorations fixed to 70 dental implants was developed. Two groups of implants were considered depending on their inclination with respect to the occlusal plane: Group 1 (S, n=37): straight/axial implants and Group 2 (T, n=33): tilted/angled fixations. Each FDP was supported by a combination of S and T implants. SR and MBL were assessed at the time of loading and two years after surgery. Patient-, surgical- and/or rehabilitation-related information was gathered. Data were statistically analysed at the α=0.05 significance level. RESULTS: After 24 months, a 100% SR was achieved and the MBL of S and T implants were statistically similar. T implants located in the molar region showed lower MBL than did those replacing premolars (p=0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Upright and angled fixations inserted at posterior maxillary areas resulted in comparable survival rates and peri-implant MBL after two years. The marginal bone resorption around tilted implants depended on their location. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Screw-retained restorations fixed to straight and tilted implants seem to be a safe treatment option in posterior atrophic maxillae.

Ability of salivary biomarkers in the prognostic of systemic and buccal inflammation.

Nowadays, there is a growing interest in using saliva as an alternative sample for the diagnosis, prediction and progression of several diseases. It has been established that some molecules found in saliva are related to oral inflammatory processes and systemic health status. Furthermore, it is known that saliva is crucial for the carrying out of different functions in the oral cavity and its role in the local modulation of inflammatory and immune response is being thoroughly studied by the health research community. The aim of this review is to analyze the most important biomarkers which have been utilized in biomedicine during the last two decades in order to establish a correlation between certain specific salivary biomarkers and systemic inflammation. Then, we discuss the utility of total proteins, immunoglobulin A and alpha-amylase as biomarkers for the prognostic of local inflammation after oral surgery. Key words:Inflammation, salivary biomarkers, systemic disease, buccal surgery, total proteins, inmunoglobulin A, Alpha-amylase.

Prophylaxis and antibiotic therapy in management protocols of patients treated with oral and intravenous bisphosphonates.

INTRODUCTION: Osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) linked to bisphosphonate treatment has specific characteristics that render its therapeutic management challenging for clinicians. Poor response to standard treatment makes it essential to take special precautions when treating this type of disease; therefore, antibiotic prophylaxis and/or antibiotic therapy have been proposed as effective and helpful tools in these situations. OBJECTIVES: This article seeks to assess published evidence in order to evaluate the different protocols used for antibiotic prophylaxis and/or antibiotic therapy in the general context of patients treated with bisphosphonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature review of the last 10 years was carried out in PubMed using the following keywords: "antibiotic prophylaxis and osteonecrosis," "bisphosphonates AND osteonecrosis AND dental management," "bisphosphonate AND osteonecrosis AND antibiotic prophylaxis AND oral surgery." A total of 188 articles were obtained, of which 18 were ultimately selected. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: In patients treated with oral and intravenous bisphosphonates without chemotherapy-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw, antibiotic prophylaxis prior to oral surgery is an important tool to avoid osteonecrosis and promote healing of the affected area. If the patient previously exhibited chemotherapy-associated osteonecrosis after tooth extraction, antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated to prevent recurrent osteonecrosis and promote healing of the extraction site. If chemotherapy-associated osteonecrosis is already present, antibiotic therapy is a vital part of conservative management to reduce the symptomatology of MRONJ and keep it from worsening. Finally, a lack of clinical data and randomized controlled trials makes it difficult to choose the most appropriate protocol for the various clinical situations studied. Key words:Bisphosphonates, antibiotic prophylaxis, maxillary osteonecrosis, antibiotic treatment.

Maxillary peripheral keratocystic odontogenic tumor. A clinical case report.

The keratocystic odontogenic tumor is a benign odontogenic cystic neoplasia characterized by its thin, squamous epithelium with superficial parakeratosis. It has the potential for infiltration and local aggressiveness and has a high rate of recurrence. This neoplasia is predominantly found in males and people of white origin. The mandible is the most frequently involved site, in particular the third molar region, mandibular angle, and ramus. It has a mandible-maxilla ratio of 2:1. Only about twenty cases of peripheral keratocystic odontogenic tumors (PKCOT) have been reported in the international literature. This study presents a case of PKCOT localized in the anterior region of the maxilla, on the vestibular side of the upper left lateral incisor and the upper left canine. The diagnosis and treatment procedures, as based on the literature, are also discussed. Key words:Odontogenic cysts, odontogenic tumors, keratocyst, keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

Pathogenesis and clinicohistopathological caractheristics of melanoacanthoma: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: The melanoacanthoma is a rare benign pigmented tumor, characterized by a fast radial growth and clinical behavior similar to melanoma. Color changes in oral mucosa and dermis are consequence of increased melanocyte activity as response to an irritant factor. There is a vast phenotypic variety. It is difficult to distinguish between a benign pigmented lesion and a melanoma at its early stage. Due to its clinical relevance is crucial to diagnose possible malignancy of the lesions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to conduct a systematic review of all published articles, as well as update and evaluate etiologic factors and clinicopathological features. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We carried out a search in the Medline database (PubMed) using the key words "oral melanoacanthoma" AND "oral melanoacanthosis" AND "oral melanoepithelioma". Inclusion criteria were all published articles since its discovery. Demographic data, histological features and immunohistochemical findings were extracted from the full articles. RESULTS: A total of 56 articles were analysed. 114 injuries drawn from these articles were studied, a total of 115 injuries with our contribution case. The 74.78% of authors claim a reactive pathogenesis. The average age of lesión appearance is 34.79 years, with an age range of 5-87 years. There is a predominance of the female sex in solitary phenotype 3: 2 and a ratio of women to men 5: 3 if it is multifocal phenotype. Bilateral phenotype is slight higher in women of 2: 1. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological analysis of the lesión is vital to diagnose malignancy. Therefore, any heterogeneous, pigmented lesion with irregular edges, raised surface, fast growth and abrupt appearance should be biopsied. More emphasis on the potential irritants should also be put to improve the quality of life of our patients and to reduce morbidity of melanoacanthoma, as well as, several similar clinical behavior disease. KEY WORDS: Melanoacanthoma, oral cáncer, diagnosis.

The role of serum biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of oral cancer: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is one of the causes of major morbidity and mortality in the world although incidence varies in the different geographical locations and races. Advances in molecular biology and cancer research have allowed elucidating serum biomarkers to improve diagnostic methods. The aim of this article systematic review is to highlight the utility and clinical value of serum biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognosis of oral cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature review using PubMed (MEDLINE databases) revealed a total of 140 articles related to this topic. Of those articles, 29 were included in the final review. We included articles published in English in the last five years, developed in human as cases and controls studies, retrospective or prospective studies and specific studies that analyzed a certain biomarker in serum. RESULTS: All of the studies include in this systematic review found significant differences in patients. Of those articles included, 2 used biomarkers to determinate cancerous phenotype, 11 mentioned their results were associated with worse prognosis and overall survival, 4 correlated biomarker concentration to clinical stages, 4 concluded it could be a helpful in diagnosis and 8 studies did not find a clear utility of the analysed biomarker. Due to differences in the presentation of data, meta-analysis was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarker use for diagnosis and prognosis is supported by clinical and scientific evidence is relevant. Nevertheless, after selecting a certain biomarker, monitoring protocols should be established in oral and maxillofacial surgeons teams so as we have a correct understanding of biological values. KEY WORDS: Serum biomarkers, oral cancer, diagnosis, prognosis.