The effect of biopolymer gel derived from sugarcane on healing of traumatic oral ulcers: an experimental study.

PURPOSE: The extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) is produced by the bacterium Zoogloea sp. and plays a positive role in tissue repair. The purpose of this study was to clinically and histologically compare the effects of EPS in the healing of traumatic oral ulcers in rats with the effects of triamcinolone. METHODS: Ulcers were induced in the oral mucous of 45 male Wistar rats, divided into three groups: control group, treated with triamcinolone, and treated with biopolymer gel. In the clinical evaluation, we considered the weight variation of the animals and the size of the lesion area, at baseline and on treatment days 1, 3 and 7. The histological parameters evaluated were the type and intensity of the inflammatory infiltration, the presence of necrosis and foreign body granuloma and the degree of re-epithelialization of the lesion. RESULTS: The reduction of the lesion area was greater in the animals treated with EPS, with no difference in the intensity of the inflammatory infiltration between the groups on days 3 and 7 of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that topical application of EPS in traumatic oral ulcers of rats promotes faster repair than triamcinolone ointment, without increasing the intensity of inflammatory infiltration under the lesion.

Resumption of brazilian oral medicine health care during the second period of the COVID-19 pandemic

Aim: This present study aims to compare the data from the Brazilian Unified Health System on the number of clinical consultations of Oral Medicine from the first 6 months (March-August 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil with the last 6 months (September-February 2020/2021) to update the data, verify the measures' effectiveness to return clinical activities in the following months. Methods: perform a literature review of recent articles that report the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Oral Medicine. Results: There was an increase in the number of Oral Medicine clinical consultations in the second half of the pandemic throughout Brazil (+64.2%), representing over 9,235 appointments in this period. Conclusion: measures for the return of health assistance and the practice of Telemedicine proved to be effective after the second period of the pandemic. Even so, strengthening security measures against the coronavirus is essential to ward off a new wave since the Omicron variant emerged in the country and, consequently, possible new lockdowns that might affect healthcare in Brazil

Contribution of public oral pathology services to the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories (OMPLs) in Brazilian public universities to the diagnosis of lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A cross-sectional study was performed using biopsy records from a consortium of sixteen public OMPLs from all regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South). Clinical and demographic data of patients diagnosed with lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCC between 2010 and 2019 were collected from the patients' histopathological records. Of the 120,010 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (2010-2019), 6.9% (8,321 cases) were diagnosed as lip (0.8%, 951 cases), oral cavity (4.9%, 5,971 cases), and oropharyngeal (1.2%, 1,399 cases) SCCs. Most cases were from Brazil's Southeast (64.5%), where six of the OMPLs analyzed are located. The predominant profile of patients with lip and oral cavity SCC was Caucasian men, with a mean age over 60 years, low schooling level, and a previous history of heavy tobacco consumption. In the oropharyngeal group, the majority were non-Caucasian men, with a mean age under 60 years, had a low education level, and were former/current tobacco and alcohol users. According to data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, approximately 9.9% of the total lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCCs reported over the last decade in Brazil may have been diagnosed at the OMPLs included in the current study. Therefore, this data confirms the contribution of public OMPLs with respect to the important diagnostic support they provide to the oral healthcare services extended by the Brazilian Public Health System.

Oral Lymphatic Malformations: A 21-Year Retrospective Study in a Single Institution.

Introduction. Oral lymphatic malformations are uncommon lesions. This study assessed the clinicopathological and sociodemographic features of oral lymphatic malformations in a Brazilian oral pathology service. Methods. Between 2000 and 2021, all oral lymphatic malformations diagnosed in a single oral pathology service were selected for the study. Clinical data, such as age, sex, site of the lesion, clinical presentation, diagnosis clinical, and the type of biopsy were recorded from the patient's clinical charts. Results. From 7554 oral lesions, 17 (0.22%) were oral lymphatic malformations. This lesion similarly affected both sexes, and the mean age of the patients was 16.5 years. The tongue was the most common site (n = 13; 76%). The mean size of the lesions was 17 mm. Oral lymphatic malformations were asymptomatic for 29% of the patients. Clinically, most lesions appeared as a reddish, sessile nodule, with a pebbly surface. In addition, the clinical and histopathological diagnoses agreed for most lesions (n = 11; 64%). The type of biopsy performed was excisional in 41% of lesions. Conclusions. In summary, oral lymphatic malformations present a low prevalence among the oral lesions diagnosed in an oral pathology service. Moreover, they affect equally both sexes, especially young patients, and usually appear as an asymptomatic or symptomatic nodular swelling on the tongue.

Epithelial salivary gland tumors in pediatric patients: An international collaborative study.

OBJECTIVE: Salivary gland tumors (SGT) are a diverse group of uncommon neoplasms that are rare in pediatric patients. This study aimed to characterize the clinicopathological profile of pediatric patients affected by SGT from a large case series derived from an international group of academic centers. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with SGT (0-19 years old) diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom was performed. SPSS Statistics for Windows was used for a quantitative analysis of the data, with a descriptive analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics and the association between clinical variables and diagnoses. RESULTS: A total of 203 cases of epithelial SGT were included. Females were slightly more commonly (56.5%), with a mean age of 14.1 years. The palate was the most common site (43.5%), followed by the parotid gland (29%), lip (10%), and submandibular gland (7.5%). The predominant clinical presentation was a flesh-colored, smooth, and painless nodule. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) was the most frequently diagnosed SGT (58.6%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) (26.6%). Surgery (90.8%) was the favored treatment option. CONCLUSIONS: Benign SGT in pediatric patients are more commonly benign than malignant tumors. Clinicians should keep PA and MEC in mind when assessing nodular lesions of possible salivary gland origin in pediatric patients.

Contribution of public oral pathology services to the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories (OMPLs) in Brazilian public universities to the diagnosis of lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A cross-sectional study was performed using biopsy records from a consortium of sixteen public OMPLs from all regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South). Clinical and demographic data of patients diagnosed with lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCC between 2010 and 2019 were collected from the patients' histopathological records. Of the 120,010 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (2010-2019), 6.9% (8,321 cases) were diagnosed as lip (0.8%, 951 cases), oral cavity (4.9%, 5,971 cases), and oropharyngeal (1.2%, 1,399 cases) SCCs. Most cases were from Brazil's Southeast (64.5%), where six of the OMPLs analyzed are located. The predominant profile of patients with lip and oral cavity SCC was Caucasian men, with a mean age over 60 years, low schooling level, and a previous history of heavy tobacco consumption. In the oropharyngeal group, the majority were non-Caucasian men, with a mean age under 60 years, had a low education level, and were former/current tobacco and alcohol users. According to data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, approximately 9.9% of the total lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCCs reported over the last decade in Brazil may have been diagnosed at the OMPLs included in the current study. Therefore, this data confirms the contribution of public OMPLs with respect to the important diagnostic support they provide to the oral healthcare services extended by the Brazilian Public Health System.

Students' perception to an interactive web-based response system in oral and maxillofacial pathology teaching

Abstract This study evaluated dental students' perceptions and adherence to an interactive web-based response system in the teaching of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Between 2018 and 2019, students from a single Brazilian dental school used the Poll Everywhere® app to answer questions on subjects taught during an Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology course. At the end of the academic semester, the students completed a questionnaire containing 10 questions regarding the app's use. The study included 123 students. Regarding the devices used to answer the questions on the app, 117 (95.1%) students used a smartphone and 3 (2.4%) used a laptop. Almost all students (121; 98.4%) agreed that this interactive web-based response system provided the teacher with a better overview of students' understanding and improved their self-assessment of the acquired knowledge of the subjects. Most students (118; 95.9%) preferred classes using this technology and 122 (99.2%) stated that using the app made them feel more engaged in classes. In addition, all students agreed that the app improved student-teacher interactions. Most students (119; 96.7%) considered the digital interactive method more attractive than the conventional teaching approach, and 99 (80.5%) did not have any negative comments regarding the app. In conclusion, the Poll Everywhere® app provides a more dynamic and attractive educational environment for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology teaching.

Oral epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma: Report of a rare case and literature review of a distinct variant of rhabdomyosarcoma.

Epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma is a new and rare morphological variant of rhabdomyosarcoma, with only a few reports in the literature. We aimed to describe an atypical case of this variant involving the oral cavity. A 33-year-old male patient presented with an asymptomatic, gingival mass adjacent to the left maxillary canine with progressive growth over approximately 3 months. Microscopic and immunohistochemical assessment of the biopsy specimen were consistent with epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma. After initial chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient had a partial response. Surgical resection was performed, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. After local and distant recurrences, the patient died 22 months after the initial diagnosis. According to the literature, epithelioid rhabdomyosarcoma still lacks data regarding its aetiologic factors and therapeutic options. Whether this tumour is a true subtype or simply a variant of other subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma also remains unconfirmed. Final diagnosis leads to a broad array of microscopic and immunohistochemical analyses.

Awareness of patients receiving bisphosphonates: a cross-sectional study

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of patients using bisphosphonates (BP) regarding their risks and benefits. Sixty-five patients using BP were included. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 13 questions, including sociodemographic and general information on BP. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a binomial test was used to assess patient knowledge about BP, considering a 5% significance level. Fifty-nine (90.2%) patients were unaware or had never heard of BP drugs and only 3 (4.6%) knew their indications. Only 6 patients (9.2%) said they knew about the oral complications caused by BP. Sixty-three patients (96.9%) said they were not referred to the dentist before starting BP treatment. Patients using BP do not have satisfactory knowledge regarding the risks and benefits of BP. Physicians and dentists must be prepared to inform and counsel BP users about their adverse effects and possible risk factors. Our results emphasize the importance of public policies, whether individual or collective, to be taken to increase knowledge about BP to avoid medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Prognostic significance of CD30 expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: CD30 is variably expressed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but its prognostic potential for the affected patients remains debatable and unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the frequency of CD30 expression in DLBCL and its potential for prognostic determination. METHODS: An electronic systematic review was performed using multiple databases, followed by a quantitative meta-analysis to assess the frequency of CD30 expression with positivity cut-off values of >0% and >20%, and to determine its association with clinicopathological features and patients' survival. RESULTS: Using a cut-off value >0%, we observed that 3.5%-59.1% of the cases were considered positive for CD30. There was a significant association of the protein expression with a lower number of extra-nodal sites affected by the neoplasm, with Ann Arbor advanced stage, the absence of B-symptoms, the lack of MYC and BCL2 translocations, and a lower ECOG performance. Using a cut-off value >20%, we observed that 2.5%-36.7% of the cases were considered positive for CD30, being significantly associated with a lower number of extra-nodal sites affected by the neoplasm, Ann Arbor stages III/IV, non-GCB tumours, the lack of MYC and BCL2 translocations, and a lower ECOG value. CD30 expression was significantly associated with a better survival rate, regardless of what cut-off parameter was used. CONCLUSION: Despite variations in the cut-off values used to determine CD30 positivity in DLBCL, the expression of this protein seems to be associated with a higher survival rate and better prognosis.

Salivary gland cystadenocarcinoma: Rare neoplasm in buccal mucosa.

A 72-year-old female was referred for diagnosis of a lesion located in the right buccal mucosa, with duration unknown. At intraoral examination, the lesion appeared as a well-delimited, mobile, and submucosal nodule. A benign mesenchymal neoplasm was the main hypothesis of diagnosis. Histopathological analysis revealed salivary gland neoplasm formed by atypical cells often arranged in microcystic structures, with frequent intraluminal papillary projections. The tumor cells presented positivity for CK7 and negativity for CK20. Based on these features, the diagnosis of cystadenocarcinoma was established. The patient was submitted to wide surgical resection. No recurrence was observed after 48 months. Although rare, cystadenocarcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral submucosal nodules.

Mandible lymphoma: an aggressive osteolytic lesion

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common type of non-hodgkin's lymphoma. In oral cavity represents approximately 2% of all malignancies. Case presentation: This report describes a rare mandibular involvement of DLBCL. A 56 year-old man was referred for evaluation of left mandible pain. In the anamnesis, the patient informed to be treating tooth pain in lasting 6 months. On oral evaluation, an intense mobility of the left mandibular second molar and a swelling in posterior left mandible were observed. Computed tomography showed a large osteolytic lesion affecting both mandibular body and ramus. An incisional biopsy was performed and according to histopathological and imumnohistochemical features, DLBCL was diagnosed. The treatment consisted of 8 cycles of R-CHOP and adjuvant radiotherapy. He is asymptomatic after 6 years. Conclusion: This case showed a rare bone presentation of DLBCL and such tumor should be considered as differential diagnosis of osteolytic lesion of the mandible.

Diagnóstico histopatológico de lesões orais provenientes da mesorregião agreste do estado de Pernambuco / Diagnóstico histopatológico de lesiones orales de la mesorregión agreste del estado de Pernambuco / Histopathological diagnosis of oral lesions from the agreste mesoregion of Pernambuco state

Resumo Introdução e Objetivos: Os laboratórios de patologia oral de universidades têm procurado caracterizar e quantificar a prevalência de lesões que são obtidas nas biópsias, para que assim, seja possível estabelecer o perfil dos casos do acervo deste serviços. O presente trabalho objetivou analisar os diagnósticos histológicos de biópsias solicitados por profissionais estabelecidos e serviços localizados na região do agreste meridional do estado de Pernambuco ao laboratório de patologia oral da UFPE. Materiais e métodos: Tratou-se um estudo retrospectivo em que foram analisadas todas as fichas de requisição de exames anatomopatológicos e seus respectivos laudos emitidos pelo Laboratório de Patologia Oral da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco no período de 17 anos - março de 2000 a março de 2017. Resultados: Das 6000 fichas clínicas, 11,4% provieram da mesorregião do Agreste Pernambucano. 42% destas peças foram provenientes da cidade Caruaru, sendo os processos proliferativos não neoplásicos o grupo de lesão mais frequente (43,9%), seguido pelo grupo de patologia inflamatória das glândulas salivares (12%) e lesões cancerizáveis (7,3%). O sexo feminino foi o mais afetado em 64,7% dos casos, com média de idade dos pacientes de 45 anos. Conclusão: A mesorregião agreste de Pernambuco carece de laboratórios especializados no diagnóstico histológico de lesões orais. Na amostra estudada, mulheres e processos proliferativos não neoplásicos foram os mais prevalentes.

Resumen Introducción y objetivo: Los laboratorios de patología oral de las universidades han tratado de caracterizar y cuantificar la prevalencia de las lesiones que se obtienen en las biopsias, de modo que sea posible establecer el perfil de los casos a partir de la recopilación de estos servicios. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar los diagnósticos histológicos de biopsias solicitados por profesionales y servicios establecidos ubicados en la región agreste del estado de Pernambuco al laboratorio de patología oral de la UFPE. Materiales y métodos: Este fue un estudio retrospectivo que analizó todos los archivos de solicitud de exámenes patológicos y sus respectivos informes emitidos por el Laboratorio de Patología Oral de la Universidad Federal de Pernambuco de 17 años, del marzo de 2000 al marzo de 2017. Resultados: De los 6000 registros clínicos, el 11,4% provino de la mesorregión agreste de Pernambucano. El 42% de estas piezas provienen de la ciudad de Caruaru, siendo los procesos proliferativos no neoplásicos el grupo de lesiones más frecuente (43,9%), seguido por el grupo de patología inflamatoria de las glándulas salivales (12%) y el grupo de lesiones com potencial de cancerización (7,3%). Las mujeres fueron las más afectadas en el 64,7% de los casos, con una edad media de 45 años. Conclusión: La mesorregión agreste de Pernambuco carece de laboratorios especializados en el diagnóstico histológico de lesiones orales. En la muestra estudiada, las mujeres y los procesos proliferativos no neoplásicos fueron los más prevalentes.

Abstract Introduction and Objective: The oral pathology laboratories of universities have sought to characterize and quantify the prevalence of lesions that are obtained on biopsies, in aim to analyze the histological diagnoses of biopsies requested by established professionals and services located in agreste region of Pernambuco state demanded by the oral pathology laboratory of UFPE. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study that analyzed all the request files for pathological exams and their respective reports issued by the Oral Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Pernambuco from 17 years - March 2000 to March 2017. Results: Of the 6000 clinical records, 11.4% came from the agreste mesoregion from Pernambuco. 42% of these pieces came from Caruaru, with non-neoplastic proliferative processes being the most frequent lesion group (43.9%), followed by the salivary glands inflammatory pathology group (12%) and cancerous lesions group (7.3%). Females were the most affected in 64.7% of cases, with a mean age of 45 years. Conclusion: The agreste mesoregion of Pernambuco lacks specialized laboratories in the histological diagnosis of oral lesions. In the sample studied, women and non-neoplastic proliferative processes were the most prevalent.

Neoplasias orofaciais em crianças e adolescentes / Orofacial neoplasms in children and adolescents

Objetivo:Este trabalho analisou os casos de neoplasias orofaciais em crianças e adolescentes, diagnosticadas pelo Laboratório de Patologia Oral da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco no período de março de 2000 a março de 2019. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo retrospectivo das neoplasias mais prevalentes diagnosticada no serviço. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados através do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences(SPSS) na versão 24.0. Resultados:Dos 6.766 casos diagnosticados, 101 foram de neoplasias, destes 52,5% foram no sexo feminino. A média de idade entre os pacientes foi de 12,6 anos. Em relação ao tipo de biópsia, a excisional foi mais prevalente e em 71,3% dos casos os diagnósticos histopatológicos confirmaram as hipóteses diagnósticas clínicas. A neoplasia benigna não odontogênica mais comum foi o papiloma oral com 30 casos (29,7%). Entre os tumores benignos de origem odontogênica, os odontomas foram os mais prevalentes com 16 casos (15,8%). Foram diagnosticados apenas dois tipos de neoplasias malignas: o carcinoma adenoide cístico e o leiomiossarcoma. Conclusão:Levantamentos epidemiológicos de lesões orofaciais são importantes para determinar a sua prevalência, além de contribuir com a determinação das características na população estudada, fornecendo ao cirurgião-dentista uma base sólida para o diagnóstico e manejo clínico das neoplasias nesses indivíduos.

Aim:To analyze the cases of orofacial neoplasms in children and adolescents, diagnosed by the Oral Pathology Laboratory of the Federal University of Pernambuco from March 2000 to March 2019. Methods: Treatment of a retrospective study of the most prevalent neoplasms diagnosed at the laboratory. Data were tabulated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24.0. Results:Of the 6,766 cases diagnosed, 101 were neoplasms, 52.5% of these were not female. The average age among the patients was 12.6 years. Regarding the type of biopsy, tooth extractions were more prevalent, and in 71.3% of the cases, the histopathological diagnoses confirmed the clinical diagnostic hypotheses. The most common non-odontogenic benign neoplasm was the oral papilloma, found in 30 cases (29.7%). Among the benign tumors of odontogenic origin, the odontomas were the most prevalent in 16 cases (15.8%). Only two types of malignant neoplasms were diagnosed: adenoid cystic carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma. Conclusion:Epidemiological surveys of orofacial lesions are important to determine their prevalence and aid in defining the characteristics in the studied population, providing the dentist with a continuous basis for the diagnosis and clinical treatment of neoplasms in these individuals.

COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on dental education: discussing current and future perspectives

Abstract Due to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, many dental schools and instructors are rethinking the way they teach and interact with students. New perspectives regarding a change in face-to-face activities, social isolation and the reformulation of clinical activities result in a transition toward e-learning and e-teaching processes. In this review, we discuss some favorable aspects and difficulties associated with virtual teaching and learning, searching for available tools and techniques as well as new perspectives.