Transfacial transmandibular approach to the masticator space: Excision of odontogenic myxoma arising from the mandibular condyle.

Odontogenic myxomas are an uncommon benign odontogenic tumor that can present with a wide variety of symptomatology depending on location and potentially be locally destructive. The present case describes a 66-year-old female who presented with left lower facial paresthesia, left aural fullness and hearing loss. She was found to have an odontogenic myxoma that involved the condylar head and extended into the masticator space. In this report we detail our surgical approach utilizing a preauricular transfacial transmandibular approach to the masticator space. In addition, we will discuss various approaches to the masticator space and infratemporal fossa along with considerations on how to manage facial nerve paralysis, facial contour deformities, and post-operative rehabilitation for permanent unilateral condylar head disarticulation.

Características orofaciais de idosos funcionalmente independentes / Orofacial characteristics of functionally independent elders

RESUMO Objetivo conhecer as características orofaciais de idosos funcionalmente independentes e analisar a associação com a idade, gênero, nível socioeconômico e estado dentário. Método estudo observacional, transversal de caráter analítico com amostra não probabilística. Foi aplicado o instrumento validado "Protocolo de Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escalas para Idoso" em sujeitos funcionalmente independentes com idade igual ou acima de 60 anos, em boas condições de saúde segundo avaliação geriátrica padronizada, intitulada Protocolo de Avaliação Multidimensional do Idoso. Resultados os idosos apresentaram padrões de normalidade acima de 60% nos parâmetros de aspecto e mobilidade das estruturas. As alterações significantes foram: sulco nasolabial acentuado; bochechas flácidas ou arqueadas; vedamento labial com tensão ou ausência de vedamento e comissuras labiais deprimidas. As alterações de mobilidade foram pequenas, entre 20,6% e 33,8%, com maior prevalência na elevação da língua e lateralização do ar em bochechas infladas e da mandíbula. Não houve relação destes achados perante a progressão da idade e as classes socioeconômicas. As mulheres apresentaram maior chance de exibirem aspecto normal dos lábios e alguma alteração da mobilidade. O número de dentes associou-se com o volume e a configuração dos lábios e a mobilidade da mandíbula. Além disso, o uso de prótese dentária associou-se significativamente com o aspecto do sulco nasolabial e a tensão/configuração das bochechas. Conclusão este trabalho sugere que o sistema oromiofacial encontra-se dentro dos padrões de normalidade na maioria dos idosos funcionalmente independentes. O que ampara a atuação multiprofissional na prevenção, promoção e tratamento da saúde oromiofuncional dos idosos.

ABSTRACT Purpose to understand the main orofacial characteristics of functionally independent elderly individuals and to investigate their association with age, gender, socioeconomic level, and dental status. Methods an observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out with a non-probabilistic sample. Inclusion criteria: minimum age of 60 years, individual in good health conditions according to a pre-established protocol published by the health care service. In order to collect the data, we used the validated Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores for Aged Protocol. Results The elderly individuals presented normal patterns in more than 60% of the appearance and mobility parameters. Significant alterations observed were: pronounced nasolabial sulcus; flaccid or arched cheeks; labial sealing with tension or absence of sealing; and depressed labial commissures. Alterations in mobility were few, between 20.6% and 33.8%, with higher prevalence of alterations when raising the tongue, lateralizing air inflated in cheeks and jaw. There was no relationship between these findings and the progression of age and socioeconomic classes. Women were more likely to show normal appearance of lips and some alterations in lips mobility. The number of teeth was associated with the volume and shape of lips and with jaw mobility. In addition, the use of dental prosthesis was shown to be significantly related to the nasolabial sulcus aspect and the configuration/tension of cheeks. Conclusion This study suggests normal patterns of oromyofacial system in most functionally independent elderly individuals. It supports multidisciplinary action for prevention, promotion, and treatment of the elderly population's oral functions.

Imaging evaluation of the suprahyoid neck.

Evaluating the complex anatomy of the suprahyoid neck on imaging studies can be a daunting task without a sound understanding of anatomy and a systematic approach. In this article, the suprahyoid neck is divided into characteristic anatomic spaces, which allow for the accurate localization of both normal structures and abnormal pathology in the neck. Once a lesion is localized to a specific suprahyoid space, imaging characteristics and clinical data can be used in a logical fashion to provide a clinically useful imaging differential diagnosis.

Alterações do sistema miofuncional orofacial na síndrome de Parry-Romberg: revisão crítica da literatura / Alterations of the myofunctional orofacial system in the Parry-Romberg syndrome: a critical literature review

INTRODUÇÃO Esta revisão qualitativa da literatura analisou publicações científicas internacionais sobre possíveis alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes acometidos pela Síndrome de Parry-Romberg, por meio da base de dados PubMed. MÉTODOS: O levantamento realizado limitou-se a seres humanos, de qualquer faixa etária, no idioma inglês, entre os anos 2002 e 2012. As publicações sem acesso completo, repetidas por sobreposição das palavras-chave, revisões de literatura, cartas ao editor e as não relacionadas diretamente ao tema foram excluídas. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 719 estudos, sendo 21 dentro dos critérios estabelecidos. Com base nos estudos selecionados, pacientes acometidos pela Síndrome de Parry-Romberg podem apresentar alterações dos tecidos mole e duro, tais como atrofia dos músculos esternocleidomastoideo, masseter e pterigoideos; atrofia na região da bochecha e depressão da prega nasolabial; desvio dos lábios e nariz; atrofia unilateral da língua; atrofia do ângulo da boca; reabsorção progressiva do osso da maxila e da mandíbula; atrofia do arco zigomático, do osso frontal e assimetria facial; desenvolvimento atrófico das raízes ou reabsorção patológica dos números de dentes permanentes; redução da mandíbula e erupção atrasada dos dentes superiores e inferiores. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do crescente interesse pelo diagnóstico e pela descrição sintomatológica de indivíduos com Síndrome de Parry-Romberg, a escassez de publicações que abordem tratamentos funcionais e interdisciplinares é evidente. Verifica-se a necessidade da realização de estudos mais específicos que visem à melhoria da qualidade de vida desses pacientes.

INTRODUCTION This qualitative literature review analyzed international scientific publications on possible orofacial myofunctional alterations in patients with Parry-Romberg syndrome by using PubMed. METHODS: The survey was conducted in English, between 2002 and 2012, and was limited to human beings of any age. Publications without full access, duplicated by overlapping keywords, literature reviews, letters to the editor, and those not directly related to the research topic were excluded. RESULTS: We identified 719 studies, of which 21 were within the established criteria. Based on the selected studies, patients with Parry-Romberg syndrome may show changes in soft and hard tissues such as atrophy of the sternocleidomastoid, masseter, and pterygoid muscles; atrophy in the cheek region and depression of the nasolabial fold; deviation of the lips and nose; unilateral tongue atrophy; atrophy of the mouth angle; progressive resorption of the maxilla and mandible bone; atrophy of the zygomatic arch and frontal bone, and facial asymmetry; atrophic root development or pathological resorption of permanent tooth numbers; and jaw reduction and delayed eruption of the upper and lower teeth. CONCLUSION: Despite the growing interest in the diagnosis and symptomatic description of individuals with Parry-Romberg syndrome, publications that address functional and interdisciplinary treatments are scarce. Therefore, specific studies aimed at improving the quality of life of these patients are needed.

Sistema miofuncional orofacial e trauma de face: revisão crítica da literatura / Changes in the orofacial myofunctional system after treatment for facial trauma: a critical review of the literature

Introdução: Esta revisão qualitativa da literatura levantou publicações científicas internacionais sobre a funcionalidade do sistema miofuncional orofacial nos traumas faciais, por meio da base de dados PubMed. Método: O levantamento realizado limitou-se a seres humanos, de qualquer faixa etária, no idioma inglês, entre os anos de 2005 e 2011. As publicações sem acesso completo, repetidas por sobreposição das palavras chave, estudos de caso, revisões de literatura, cartas ao editor e as não relacionadas diretamente ao tema foram excluídas. Resultados: Foram identificados 831 estudos, sendo 14 dentro dos critérios estabelecidos. Notou-se que a avaliação mais frequente foi a da função mandibular e depois análise de tratamentos; ocorreu mais fratura no côndilo que ângulo mandibular; utilizou-se mais tratamento cirúrgico juntamente com o conservador, seguido pelo somente cirúrgico e finalmente somente conservador; a maior incidência de traumas faciais foi em adultos do sexo masculino; poucas pesquisas foram realizadas com crianças e grupo-controle; utilizaram-se mais avaliações da função mandibular e clínicas, na maioria pré e pós-cirurgia; a força de mordida e a área oclusal apresentaram melhora póstratamento, no entanto a assimetria mandibular permaneceu; os valores de abertura máxima da boca atingiram a normalidade, porém inferiores ao grupo-controle; houve persistência de alterações na mobilidade mandibular e dor, mesmo após o tratamento; e a terapia miofuncional melhorou o quadro de alterações. Conclusão: É necessário mais publicações sobre o tratamento fonoaudiológico baseado na abordagem miofuncional orofacial nos traumas faciais.

Introduction: This qualitative literature review aims to highlight international scientific publications selected from the PubMed database that describe the changes in the function of the orofacial myofunctional system after facial trauma and the associated treatment outcomes. Methods: Studies published in English between 2005 and 2011 and including individuals of all age groups were included in this review. Publications that were not open access, studies appearing more than once because of overlapping keywords, case studies, literature reviews, letters to the editor, and studies that were not directly related to the subject were excluded. Results: A total of 831 studies were identified, 14 of which fulfilled the established criteria. Assessment of jaw function was the most frequent evaluation performed in the included studies, followed by the analysis of treatments. The incidence of condylar fractures was higher than that of mandibular angle fractures. The majority of cases were managed by surgery combined with conservative treatment, followed by surgery alone and conservative treatment alone. Adult men exhibited a higher incidence of facial trauma. Few studies included children or control groups. Further assessment of jaw and clinical functions before and after surgery revealed the following findings. The bite force and occlusal contact area improved after treatment, whereas mandibular asymmetry persisted even after surgery. The maximum mouth opening returned to normal after treatment, although the range of mouth opening was lower in patients with facial trauma than in controls. Persistent mobility in the mandibular teeth and pain were observed even after treatment. Myofunctional therapy resulted in an overall improvement in jaw function. Conclusions: Although the number of studies on facial trauma is increasing, few studies address the use and benefits of orofacial myofunctional therapy in this field. Further studies on orofacial myofunctional therapy combined with surgery and/ or conservative treatment for facial trauma are necessary.

Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of lesions at masticator space.

We aim to review the normal anatomy and imaging appearance of masticator space lesions. Because the masticator space is not amenable to direct examination, cross-sectional imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging play an important role in diagnosis and characterization of lesions occurring there. Masticator space lesions can be classified on the basis of their origin into the following categories: inflammatory lesions, benign tumors, malignant tumors, vascular lesions, and developmental lesions. A diverse spectrum of malignant tumors and benign lesions are seen extending from the adjacent spaces. In addition, one should also be familiar with pseudolesions as well as post-treatment changes in the masticator space that can be mistaken for pathologic conditions.

Morphologic and functional changes in the temporomandibular joint and stomatognathic system after transmandibular surgery in oral and oropharyngeal cancers: systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Interruption of mandibular continuity in transmandibular (mandibulotomy and mandibulectomy) surgery for tumour resection in the oral cavity and oropharynx may alter oral and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) morphology and function. OBJECTIVE: To critically analyze available evidence regarding the effects of transmandibular surgeries on morphologic and functional changes in the TMJ and stomatognathic system. DATA SOURCES: Electronic search of Medline, Embase, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, Ovid HealthStar, and Scopus and hand searches. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Any article investigating the TMJ morphologic changes and/or functional outcomes following transmandibular surgeries. RESULTS AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Two hundred seventy-one articles were obtained through the electronic database scan and six articles via a hand search. Twelve full articles were initially selected as potentially meeting the eligibility for this review; however, only five articles finally fulfilled the study inclusion criteria and were analyzed for their methodology. All articles used clinical records and/or patient reports to evaluate TMJ pain, motion, dental occlusion, mouth opening, and deflection during opening as outcome measures. In only four articles was a clinical examination conducted after surgery, with associated patients' interviews and reports. The quality of all included articles was considered poor with a high risk of bias according to the Research Triangle Institute item bank quality of assessment. CONCLUSION: Based on the limited available evidence for this systematic review and a high risk of bias of the analyzed articles, no firm conclusions can be established regarding the effects of transmandibular surgery on morphologic and functional changes in the TMJ and stomatognathic system.

Perineural invasion and spread in head and neck cancer.

Perineural involvement is a well-recognized clinicopathologic entity found in head and neck (H&N) cancers, including mucosal epithelial carcinomas and salivary gland malignancies. Perineural disease remains a diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic challenge for the multidisciplinary H&N oncology team. Nerves are important routes of tumor spread in H&N malignancies, yet the biology and prognostic implications of perineural tumor growth are not fully understood. On balance, the available evidence suggests that it is associated with an increased risk of locoregional recurrence but the impact on survival remains uncertain. Perineural involvement has implications for locoregional disease diagnosis and management. MRI is the best imaging modality to detect tumor extent. Advanced radiotherapy technologies such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and image-guided radiation therapy have the potential for more accurate targeting and treatment of anatomically complex patterns of disease spread. This review is limited to nondermatologic H&N cancers.

The rise of transoral robotic surgery in the head and neck: emerging applications.

The use of robotics in the field of head and neck surgery has provided surgeons with the ability to access anatomic locations that were previously only managed via open techniques. This has resulted in decreased overall morbidity, excellent functional results and the promise of equivalent oncologic outcomes. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) provides access to the oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, oral cavity, parapharyngeal space and skull base vial the oral aperture. Studies reviewing the application of TORS to these subsites have been promising, and for many applications TORS has been accepted as a safe and efficacious option for surgical management. However, despite these promising results, TORS remains a surgical instrument that requires sound surgical skill, clinical judgment and oncologic principles, and should be chosen based on the needs of the individual patient and the comfort of the treating surgeon. In this article, we review the history of TORS, relevant anatomy and provide a review of the literature, highlighting the applications, advantages, functional outcomes and disadvantages of TORS for each anatomic subsite.

The masticator space. Value of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in localisation and characterisation of lesions.

Aim of the study was to assess the different roles of magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography in the evaluation of anatomical origin and pathological nature of lesions involving the masticator space. Overall 41 cases (31 computed tomography and 14 magnetic resonance imaging) of lesions involving masticator space were retrospectively reviewed by two experienced radiologists in consensus. Reference standards were histopathological results and clinical-radiological follow-up after one year. Both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed with and without intravenous injection of contrast. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were correct in identifying the space of origin of lesions respectively in 96% and 92% of cases. Computed tomography correctly diagnosed the nature of lesions in 81% of cases and magnetic resonance imaging in 93% of cases; computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging correctly characterized, respectively, 88% and 100% of malignant lesions and, respectively, 73% and 83% of benign lesions. In conclusion both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were effective in the identification of the origin of non-extensive lesions involving masticator space. Computed tomography was more precise in depicting lesions originating from masticator space, while magnetic resonance imaging was more correct in depicting lesions originating from contiguous spaces and involving secondarily the masticator space. Magnetic resonance imaging should always be preferred to characterise lesions, nevertheless computed tomography should be chosen in cases with suspected inflammatory involvement of mandible bone.

Evaluation of solid lesions affecting masticator space with diffusion-weighted MR imaging.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in differentiating various masticator-space solid lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Before surgery and/or pathologic verification, diffusion-weighted echo-planar MR imaging was performed on 78 subjects who had lesions in their masticator spaces. Based on their pathologic outcomes, lesions were classified into 3 groups: group 1: benign tumors and tumor-like lesions (23 cases); group 2: inflammatory diseases (14 cases); and group 3: malignant tumors (41 cases). Mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) were calculated from diffusion-weighted MR images that were obtained with a b factor of 0 and 1,000 s/mm(2). Differences between groups and lesion types were statistically compared with the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The ADCs were significantly different (P = .0001) among the 3 groups, between group 1 (1.52 +/- 0.29 [SD] x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) and group 2 (1.01 +/- 0.31 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s), and between group 1 and group 3 (1.11 +/- 0.29 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s). There was no statistically significant difference (P = .31) in ADCs between group 2 and group 3. In addition, there were significant differences between osteosarcomas (1.40 +/- 0.28 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s) and inflammatory diseases (P = .038) and between osteosarcomas and carcinomas (1.11 +/- 0.26 x 10(-3) mm(2)/s; P = .035). CONCLUSIONS: Diffusion-weighted MR imaging may be valuable in differentiating between benign solid lesions and malignant tumors in the masticator space. Inflammatory lesions cannot, however, be separated from most malignant tumors, except for osteosarcomas.

Dor miofascial ou síndrome de Eagle? A importância do diagnóstico diferencial / Myofascial pain or Eagle´s syndrome? The importance of the differential diagnosis

A síndrome do processo estiloide alongado ou síndrome de Eagle e a dor miofascial fazem parte das disfunções craniomandibulares. Vários relatos de casos clínicos encontrados na literatura enfatizam as anormalidades do complexo estiloideo associadas a vários sintomas, como dor muscular, tender points, trigger points, que confundem o diagnóstico ou associam esses sintomas a outras enfermidades. Nesse sentido, é importante a obtenção de um diagnóstico preciso, em virtude de sintomatologia confundente. Este artigo relata um caso de dor miofascial no qual a paciente se apresentava com dor em região de cabeça e pescoço com o processo estiloide alongado em torno de 78 mm (observado em radiografia panorâmica). O diagnóstico final foi obtido por meio de exame clínico investigatório associado a imagens.

A comparison of cephalometric analysis using radiographs and craniofacial computed tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: preliminary report.

The aim of this study was to describe the similarities and differences as well as the convenience in using of cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial computed tomography in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients and to demonstrate the relationship between the severity of sleep-disordered breathing and severity of cephalometric abnormalities. A total of 28 randomly selected patients with snoring, and varying degrees of sleep-disordered breathing were included in this study. A control group included 22 patients. These patients had no snoring or clinical evidence of sleep-disordered breathing as evaluated by polysomnographic test. No patients had prior pharyngeal or maxillomandibular surgery. All patients were evaluated by otolaryngological examination and had polysomnography, cephalometric radiographs and craniofacial CT scans. In study group the evaluation between cephalometric analysis on radiographs and CT scans was made. The comparison between the control and the study group was also assessed as far as cephalometric data are concerned. The cephalometric parameters revealed major differences between controls and patients with OSAS regarding the size and position of soft palate and uvula, volume and position of tongue, hyoid position, mandibulo-maxillary protrusion and size of the pharyngeal airway space. OSAS is associated with statistically significant changes in cephalometric measurements. Lateral cephalometric analysis and craniofacial CT scans add further information to the anatomical assessment of patients with OSAS. We found craniofacial CT scan measurements to be easier and more accurate especially when applying to soft tissues. We believe that this method may also be useful for patient classification to surgical procedures.

Características do sistema estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais: enfoque antroposcópico / Characteristics of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children: anthroposcopic approach

TEMA: a utilização da antroposcopia na avaliação das características posturais e morfológicas do sistema estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais. OBJETIVO: descrever as características posturais e morfológicas do sistema estomatognático de crianças respiradoras orais, segundo a idade. MÉTODO: Participaram 100 crianças, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre 7 anos e 11 anos e 11 meses, leucodermas, em dentição mista e com diagnóstico de respiração oral. As características posturais e morfológicas do sistema estomatognático pesquisadas foram posição habitual de lábios e de língua, possibilidade de vedamento labial, hiperfunção do músculo mentual durante a oclusão labial, mordida e morfologia do lábio inferior, das bochechas e do palato duro, por meio da antroposcopia. RESULTADOS: no que se refere à caracterização da população do estudo segundo o diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico principal, tem-se que foi mais freqüente o aumento de tonsila faríngea e de tonsilas palatinas. Não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as porcentagens de cada diagnóstico otorrinolaringológico, de acordo com a idade. Os resultados relativos às características do sistema estomatognático indicaram que os aspectos mais comuns na amostra foram posição habitual de lábios entreaberta, posição habitual de língua no assoalho oral, possibilidade de vedamento labial, hiperfunção do músculo mentual durante a oclusão dos lábios, mordida alterada, lábio inferior com eversão, simetria de bochechas e palato duro alterado, sendo que todas as características estudadas apresentaram a mesma freqüência com o avançar da idade, não havendo diferença estatisticamente significativa de acordo com essa variável. CONCLUSÃO: as crianças respiradoras orais apresentaram adaptações patológicas das características posturais e morfológicas do sistema estomatognático, sugerindo a importância do diagnóstico precoce como forma de evitar alterações orofaciais.

BACKGROUND: the use of anthroposcopy in the assessment of posture and morphology of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children. AIM: to describe the postural and morphologic characteristics of the stomatognathic system of mouth breathing children, according to age. METHOD: participants were 100 children, of both genders, with ages ranging from 7 to 11 years and 11 months, leukoderms, in mixed dentition and with the diagnosis of mouth breathing. The investigated postural and morphologic characteristics of the stomatognathic system were labial and lingual resting position, possibility of labial occlusion, hyperfunction of the mentalis muscle during labial occlusion, bite and morphology of the lower lip, cheeks and hard palate, using the anthroposcopy methodology. RESULTS: the results referring to the characterization of the studied population, according to the most frequent otorhinolaryngologic diagnosis, was of enlarged pharyngeal and palatine tonsils. A statistically significant difference was found between the percentages of each otorhinolaryngologic diagnosis, according to age. The results of the characteristics of the stomatognathic system indicated that the most common aspects in the studied sample were: half-open lips when in the resting position, tongue lowered on the mouth's floor in the resting position, possibility of labial occlusion, hyperfunction of the mentalis muscle during labial occlusion, alterations of bite, labioverted, symmetry of the cheeks and alteration of the hard palate. All of the studied characteristics presented the same frequency with the increase in age, with no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: mouth breathing children presented pathologic adaptations in the postural and morphological characteristics of the stomatognathic system. This suggests the importance of early diagnosis in order to avoid orofacial alterations.

Ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the internal maxillary artery complicating CT-guided fine-needle aspiration in an irradiated, surgical bed.

BACKGROUND: CT-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a safe procedure, but major complications can occur rarely. Pseudoaneurysm rupture in the head and neck region following CT-guided FNA is an emergency that can result in life-threatening hemorrhage. This case emphasizes the salient risk factors for pseudoaneurysm formation and rupture in the head and neck region following CT-guided FNA. METHODS: A patient was seen with oral and facial hemorrhage as a result of a ruptured pseudoaneurysm 11 weeks following CT-guided FNA in a previously irradiated surgical bed. RESULTS: The patient was treated with coil embolization in and around the pseudoaneurysm and discharged without any further complications. CONCLUSIONS: Although CT-guided FNA is a safe and effective procedure, some patients may be at increased risk for rare but major complications. Caution should be used in proceeding with CT-guided FNA in an irradiated surgical bed of the head and neck.

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma: a review of the clinicopathologic spectrum and immunophenotypic characteristics in 61 tumors of the salivary glands and upper aerodigestive tract.

To further define the clinicopathologic spectrum of epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMCa), we report the gross, histologic, and immunophenotypic characteristics of 61 tumors seen within a 30-year-period. The mean age at presentation was 60.9 years, with a female predominance (1.5:1). The most common sites were parotid (62.1%), sinonasal mucoserous glands (10.3%), palate (8.6%), and submandibular (8.6%). Most EMCas showed a characteristic nodular/multinodular growth pattern and classic biphasic tubular histology. However, new morphologies in EMCa such as ancient change (8.2%), "Verocay"-like change (3.3%), and sebaceous differentiation (13.1%) were noted. Specific histologic variants were dedifferentiated EMCa (3.3%), oncocytic EMCa (8.2%), EMCa ex pleomorphic adenoma (1.6%), double-clear EMCa (3.3%), and EMCa with myoepithelial anaplasia (3.3%). All cytokeratin cocktails selectively highlighted the epithelial component well. Of the myoepithelial markers, p63, smooth muscle actin and vimentin performed best. Bcl-2 and c-kit were frequently positive (66.7% and 69.2%, respectively). p53 was highly expressed only in 1 dedifferentiated EMCa. The recurrence rate was 36.3% (median disease-free survival 11.34 y), but death was rare with 5-year and 10-year disease-specific survivals of 93.5% and 81.8%, respectively. The most important univariate predictors of recurrence were margin status (log rank P=0.006), angiolymphatic invasion (P=0.002), tumor necrosis (P=0.004), and myoepithelial anaplasia (P=0.038). Thus, EMCa is generally a low-grade tumor with a broader morphologic spectrum than previously thought, with several key features predictive of recurrence. Immunohistochemistry can aid diagnosis by highlighting the biphasic nature of the tumor.

Valorizando a biópsia na clínica odontológica / Valuing the biopsy in the dentistry practice

A realização de exames complementares deveria ser uma rotina nos consultórios odontológicos. Todavia a biópsia oral é um procedimento pouco efetuado, talvez pela insegurança dos cirurgiões-dentistas em realizar a técnica correta. Este trabalho objetiva, através de um breve revisão de literatura, orientar aos profissionais quanto à importância da execução da biópsia na clínica odontológica e apresentar orientações para realização deste procedimento cirúrgico, no intuito de auxiliar no diagnóstico das alterações do sistema estomatognático.

Implicações clínicas em pacientes respiradores bucais / Clinical implications in oral breathing patients

O crescimento craniofacial é determinado por vários fatores, dentre eles a genética e a presença de respiração bucal crônica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi revisar a literatura sobre as implicações clínicas em pacientes respiradores bucais. Encontramos muitos estudos que correlacionam a respiração bucal crônica às alterações no complexo craniofacial. Concluímos que o diagnóstico e tratamento precoce das alterações do padrão respiratório auxiliam na prevenção das alterações orofaciais

[Summing up the 5-year monitoring of morphology and function of the stomatognathic system in children exposed to radiation]. / Analiz rezul'tatov 5-letnego monitoringa morfofunktsional'nogo sostoianiia zubocheliustnoi sistemy u detei, podvergshikhsia radiatsionnomu vozdeistviiu.

Monitoring of the maxillodental system in children born and living in regions contaminated by radiation as a result of the Chernobyl accident was carried out in 1997-2002 within the framework of Federal Program "Children of Russia", section "Chernobyl Children". Analysis of 5-year changes in the maxillodental morphology and function showed a trend to improvement: the prevalence of normal-for-age status increased and the parameters of maxillodental function normalized.