New Surgical Approach for Labial Stabilization: A Long-Term Follow-up Case Series.

Lip repositioning surgery is a predictable surgical technique that provides a solution for patients with excessive gingival smile. This case series presents four patients with 6 to 8 mm of excessive gingival display who received a modified surgical technique using internal horizontal mattress sutures to immobilize the labial superior elevator muscle. None of the patients exhibited complications, and their healing was uneventful. All patients demonstrated predictable results and presented with stability over an average of 3.5 years of follow-up. The modified lip repositioning surgery with internal horizontal mattress sutures seems to provide reliable long-term results in patients with an excessive gingival display.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in an adult population from eight communities in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions (OMLs) in an adult population from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 751 subjects from eight communities from Santo Domingo accepted the invitation to participate in an oral screening from October 2016 to January 2017. 248 subjects were evaluated and clinically examined, age range 18-86 years. A validated instrument was designed to record demographic factors, age group, gender, anatomical location, presence or absence of OMLs, risk factors such as tobacco consumption and its frequency, and different forms of tobacco and alcohol use. A systematic oral clinical examination was conducted by a specialist. The presence or absence, and anatomic location of OMLs were recorded. The sample consisted of 44.4% males and 55.6 % females. 228 subjects had 1 or more lesions (91.9%), the median was 3 lesions per patient. In relation to risk factors, tobacco use in general was reported by 26.2 % of the subjects, with cigarette smoking reported by 75.4%, followed by other forms as "hookah" 9.2 %, marihuana 9.2%, cigars ("puros")4.6% and pipe smoking 1.5%. Among the oral lesions detected by screening, the nonpathological group was prevalent, and included physiologic melanin pigmentation as the most frequent (25.0%) followed by palatal/mandibular tori (20.2%), Fordyce granules (7.9%), and Exostosis (5.6%). Potentially malignant disorders (Oral Leukoplakia, Oral Lichen Planus and Actinic Cheilitis) corresponded to 2.2%, 0.3 %, and 0.3%, respectively. No malignancy was observed clinically. This study Authorutes to determining the prevalence of OMLs in Dominican Republic and to identifying risk factors. This is the first study reporting the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among the Dominican adult population. This information is vital for establishing a public health program targeting the high-risk group to improve the oral health status in this population.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de lesiones de la mucosa oral (LMO) en una población adulta proveniente de Santo Domingo, República Dominicana. 751 individuos procedentes de ocho comunidades de la provincia de Santo Domingo, respondieron a la invitación para participar en el examen bucal, desde Octubre 2016 a Enero 2017. 248 sujetos con un rango de edad de 18-86 años, fueron evaluados y examinados clínicamente. Se diseñó y validó un instrumento para obtener datos de factores demográficos, grupos de edad, género, localización anatómica, presencia o ausencia de lesiones de la mucosa oral, factores de riesgo tales como: consumo de tabaco, frecuencia, diferentes formas de uso de tabaco y alcohol. Un especialista en el área, realizó un examen clínico bucal sistematizado en el cual se evaluó y registró la presencia o ausencia de lesiones y su localización anatómica. De acuerdo a la distribución por género, 44.4% correspondió a masculino y 55.6 % femenino. 228/248 sujetos presentaron 1 o más lesiones (91.9%), siendo la media de 3 lesiones por paciente. En relación a los factores de riesgo, el tabaco se reportó en 26.2%, siendo el fumar cigarrillos el 75.4%, seguido de otras formas como "hookah" 9.2%, marihuana 9.2%, cigarros ("puros") 4.6% y pipa fumada 1.5 %. En cuanto a las lesiones bucales detectadas en el examen, el grupo de condiciones no patológicas fue el más frecuente e incluía a pigmentaciones fisiológicas melánicas (25.0%), seguida de torus palatino/mandibulares (20.2 %), gránulos de Fordyce (7.9%) y exostosis (5.6%),respectivamente. Las lesiones potencialmente malignas detectadas (Leucoplasia oral, Liquen plano oral y Queilitis actínica) correspondieron al 2.2%, 0.3 % y 0.3%, respectivamente. Clínicamente, no se observó malignidad. Este estudio Authoruye a determinar la prevalencia de LMO en República Dominicana e identificar factores de riesgo. Los hallazgos representan el primer estudio que muestra la prevalencia de las lesiones de mucosa oral en la población adulta dominicana. Se recomienda la creación de un programa de salud pública orientado a grupos de alto riesgo para mejorar el estatus de salud oral en esta población.

Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in an adult population from eight communities in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic / Prevalencia de lesiones de mucosa oral en una población adulta de ocho comunidades en Santo Domingo, República Dominicana

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions (OMLs) in an adult population from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 751 subjects from eight communities from Santo Domingo accepted the invitation to participate in an oral screening from October 2016 to January 2017. 248 subjects were evaluated and clinically examined, age range 18-86 years. A validated instrument was designed to record demographic factors, age group, gender, anatomical location, presence or absence of OMLs, risk factors such as tobacco consumption and its frequency, and different forms of tobacco and alcohol use. A systematic oral clinical examination was conducted by a specialist. The presence or absence, and anatomic location of OMLs were recorded. The sample consisted of 44.4% males and 55.6 % females. 228 subjects had 1 or more lesions (91.9%), the median was 3 lesions per patient. In relation to risk factors, tobacco use in general was reported by 26.2 % of the subjects, with cigarette smoking reported by 75.4%, followed by other forms as "hookah" 9.2 %, marihuana 9.2%, cigars ("puros")4.6% and pipe smoking 1.5%. Among the oral lesions detected by screening, the nonpathological group was prevalent, and included physiologic melanin pigmentation as the most frequent (25.0%) followed by palatal/mandibular tori (20.2%), Fordyce granules (7.9%), and Exostosis (5.6%). Potentially malignant disorders (Oral Leukoplakia, Oral Lichen Planus and Actinic Cheilitis) corresponded to 2.2%, 0.3 %, and 0.3%, respectively. No malignancy was observed clinically. This study contributes to determining the prevalence of OMLs in Dominican Republic and to identifying risk factors. This is the first study reporting the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among the Dominican adult population. This information is vital for establishing a public health program targeting the high-risk group to improve the oral health status in this population.

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de lesiones de la mucosa oral (LMO) en una población adulta proveniente de Santo Domingo, República Dominicana. 751 individuos procedentes de ocho comunidades de la provincia de Santo Domingo, respondieron a la invitación para participar en el examen bucal, desde Octubre 2016 a Enero 2017. 248 sujetos con un rango de edad de 18-86 años, fueron evaluados y examinados clínicamente. Se diseñó y validó un instrumento para obtener datos de factores demográficos, grupos de edad, género, localización anatómica, presencia o ausencia de lesiones de la mucosa oral, factores de riesgo tales como: consumo de tabaco, frecuencia, diferentes formas de uso de tabaco y alcohol. Un especialista en el área, realizó un examen clínico bucal sistematizado en el cual se evaluó y registró la presencia o ausencia de lesiones y su localización anatómica. De acuerdo a la distribución por género, 44.4% correspondió a masculino y 55.6 % femenino. 228/248 sujetos presentaron 1 o más lesiones (91.9%), siendo la media de 3 lesiones por paciente. En relación a los factores de riesgo, el tabaco se reportó en 26.2%, siendo el fumar cigarrillos el 75.4%, seguido de otras formas como "hookah" 9.2%, marihuana 9.2%, cigarros ("puros") 4.6% y pipa fumada 1.5 %. En cuanto a las lesiones bucales detectadas en el examen, el grupo de condiciones no patológicas fue el más frecuente e incluía a pigmentaciones fisiológicas melánicas (25.0%), seguida de torus palatino/mandibulares (20.2 %), gránulos de Fordyce (7.9%) y exostosis (5.6%),respectivamente. Las lesiones potencialmente malignas detectadas (Leucoplasia oral, Liquen plano oral y Queilitis actínica) correspondieron al 2.2%, 0.3 % y 0.3%, respectivamente. Clínicamente, no se observó malignidad. Este estudio contribuye a determinar la prevalencia de LMO en República Dominicana e identificar factores de riesgo. Los hallazgos representan el primer estudio que muestra la prevalencia de las lesiones de mucosa oral en la población adulta dominicana. Se recomienda la creación de un programa de salud pública orientado a grupos de alto riesgo para mejorar el estatus de salud oral en esta población.

Expresión del ki-67, p53, p16 y bcl-2 en Ameloblastomas / Expression of ki-67, p53, p16 and bcl-2 in Ameloblastomas

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la expresión de Ki-67, p53, p 16 y bcl-2 en Ameloblastoma Sólido y Uniquístico. El presente estudio fue retrospectivo de tipo clínico-patológico, experimental y correlacional. Se realizó análisis clínico-patológico de las variables: género, grupos de edad, diagnóstico histopatológico y localización anatómica y análisis inmunohistoquímico siguiendo protocolo estandarizado utilizando los marcadores Ki-67, p16, p53 y bcl-2 en el Laboratorio de Histopatología Bucal "Dr. Pedro Tinoco" de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Central de Venezuela durante el período 2008-2013. De las biopsias bucomaxilofaciales se tomaron como muestra 34 casos diagnosticados histopatológicamente como Ameloblastoma Uniquístico (16 casos), Ameloblastoma Sólido (9 casos), y 9 casos como control con el diagnóstico de Tumor Odontogénico Queratoquístico. Se realizó análisis estadístico para correlación de variables a través de la prueba Kruskall-Wallis empleando Software estadístico SPSS®Versión N° 20 para sistema MAC OSX con un nivel de significancia del 99% (p<0,01). Se observó predominio del género masculino entre la segunda y tercera década de vida. Localización anatómica más frecuente en sector posterior mandibular, diagnóstico histopatológico más frecuente ameloblastoma uniquístico. El análisis inmunohistoquímico reveló al marcador Ki-67 como la más expresada, seguida por p53, bcl-2 y p16 indicando transformación neoplásica y proliferación asociado a tasa de recidiva Los marcadores utilizados son de utilidad para evaluar comportamiento biológico para sugerir tratamiento quirúrgico adecuado en cada caso.

The objective of this research was to determine the expression of Ki-67, p53, p16 and bcl-2 Solid and unicystic Ameloblastoma.This study was retrospective clinicopathological, experimental and correlational. Clinico-pathological analysis of the variables were: gender, age, anatomical site and histopathological diagnosis and immunohistochemical analysis using standardized protocol following the Ki-67, p16, p53 and bcl-2 markers in the Laboratory of Oral Histopathology "Dr. Pedro Tinoco "of the Faculty of Dentistry, Central University ofVenezuela during the period 2008-2013.The maxillofacial biopsies were sampled 34 cases diagnosed histopathologically as Ameloblastoma unicystic (16 cases), Ameloblastoma Solid (9 cases), and 9 cases as control diagnosis Odontogenic Tumor Queratoquístico statistical analysis for correlation of variables was performed through the Kruskal-Wallis test using SPSS statistical software version No. 20 MAC OSX system with a significance level of 99% (p <0.01).often males between the second and third decade of life was observed. Most frequent anatomical location in mandibular posterior, more frequent histopathological diagnosis unicystic ameloblastoma. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the marcador Ki-67 as the expressed, followed by p53, bcl-2 and p16 indicating neoplastic transformation and proliferation associated with recurrence rate markers used are useful for assessing biological behavior to suggest appropriate surgical treatment in each case.

Expression of COX-2 and bcl-2 in oral lichen planus lesions and lichenoid reactions.

UNLABELLED: Oral lichen planus and lichenoid reactions are autoimmune type inflammatory conditions of the oral mucosa with similar clinical and histological characteristics. Recent data suggest that oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) present a greater percentage of malignant transformation than oral lichen planus (OLP). OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression of bcl-2 and COX-2 in OLP and OLR. METHODS: The study population consisted of 65 cases; 34 cases diagnosed as OLR and 31 as OLP. A retrospective study was done, and bcl-2 and COX-2 expression was semiquantitatively analysed. RESULTS: Fifty-three per cent (18/34) of the ORL samples tested positive for COX-2, whereas in the OLP group, 81% of the samples (25/31) immunostained positive for COX-2. The Fisher's exact test for the expression of COX-2 revealed that there are significant differences between the two groups, P = 0.035. With respect to the expression of the bcl-2 protein, 76% (26/34) of the samples were positive in OLR, while 97% (30/31) were positive in the group with OLP. The Fisher's exact test for the expression of bcl-2 revealed that there are significant statistical differences between the two groups, P = 0.028. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of bcl-2 and COX-2 was more commonly expressed in OLP when compared with OLR.

Experiencias de la persona adulta hospitalizada respecto al cuidado brindado por la enfermera en el servicio de cirugía del hospital III ESSALUD De Chimbote. Perú / Adult inpatients experiences on nursing care at the Department of Surgery in Hospital III EsSalud, Chimbote. Peru

Resumen:

Introducción: el propósito de este trabajo de investigación fue desvelar, a través de una metodología cualitativa de enfoque fenomenológico, las experiencias de la persona adulta hospitalizada respecto al cuidado brindado por la enfermera en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital III EsSalud, en Chimbote (Perú). Método: en la muestra participaron 12 personas adultas de ambos sexos, hospitalizadas. Se utilizó como técnica de recolección de datos la entrevista personalizada, en la cual se aplicó la pregunta orientadora: ¿Cuáles son sus percepciones y sentimientos respecto al cuidado brindado por la enfermera a la persona adulta hospitalizada en el Servicio de Cirugía?, mediante la cual se desveló el fenómeno de estudio; respetando en todo momento los principios éticos. Resultados: a través de la trayectoria fenomenológica emergieron 87 unidades de significado, sintetizadas en 14 categorías, que fueron agrupadas de acuerdo al fenómeno de estudio en: resonancias del cuidado, disonancias del cuidado, ser cuidado: persona adulta hospitalizada, ser enfermera: persona que brinda cuidados. Discusión: según el análisis, se puede evidenciar que el cuidado puede ser percibido por la persona hospitalizada como una forma de experimentar un buen cuidado y trato adecuado, atención oportuna a sus necesidades; mientras que las divergencias a estas percepciones como la inoportuna atención de enfermería, experimentado por la deficiente atención, que se ve reflejada en errores en la comunicación e información enfermera-paciente-familia. Como conclusión resulta necesario reflexionar sobre un cuidado de enfermería altamente humanizado, con un sólido componente ético que permita crecer y desarrollar a la enfermería como profesión.

Abstract:

Introduction: Our investigation was aimed to reveal, through a phenomenologically-based qualitative method, the adult inpatients experiences on nursing care at the Department of Surgery in Hospital III EsSalud, Chimbote, Peru. Methods: Twelve adult inpatients (men and women) were included. Data were collected through an individually tailored questionnaire based on a guiding question: Tell me about your perceptions and feelings regarding nursing care for an adult inpatient at the Department of Surgery. Study phenomena were revealed through such a question; ethical principles were consistently followed throughout the study. Results: Phenomenological path revealed 87 meaning units that could be summarized into 14 categories; such categories could be then grouped according to the phenomena into: care resonances, care dissonances, cared person: adult inpatient, nurse: caring individual. Discussion: Based on our analysis, care appears to be perceived by inpatients as a way to receive good care and to be appropriately treated and have their needs adequately met; on the other hand, divergences on such perceptions include inappropriate nursing care and can be found in poor care, as reflected in nurse-patient-family communication and information failure. In conclusion, a more human nursing care based on solid ethical principles allowing professional nursing growth and development is clearly needed.

Introdução: a intenção deste trabalho da investigação, era revelar com um enfoque qualitativo da aproximação fenomenológica, as experiências da pessoa adulta hospitalizada, com respeito ao cuidado oferecido pela enfermeira no serviço da cirurgia, hospital III EsSalud- Chimbote (Perú). Método: a amostra foi de 12 pessoas de ambos sexos, hospitalizados; a entrevista personalizada foi usada como a técnica do levantamento de dados, em que a pregunta da orientação aplicada, ¿Qué são seus percepções e sentimentos com respeito ao cuidado oferecidos pela enfermeira à pessoa hospitalizada do adulto no serviço da cirurgia? Respeitando em todo momento os princípios éticos.

Resultados: com o enfoque fenomenológico, 87 unidades emergiram 87 unidades de significado, sintetizadas em 14 categorias, que foram agrupados de acordo com o fenômeno do estudo: resonance do cuidado, dissonances do cuidado, ser cuidado: pessoa hospitalizada, enfermeira: pessoa de que oferece o cuidado benfeito. Discussão: na base da análise, é possível ser demonstrado que o cuidado pode ser percebido pela pessoa hospitalizada como uma forma para experimentar um cuidado bom e um tratamento apropriado, uma atenção oportuna a suas necessidades e as divergências a estas percepções como a atenção inoportuna da enfermaria, experimentada pela atenção deficiente, que é refletida pelas famílias do paciente como um defeito de comunicação e da informação; sendo necessário para refletir em um cuidado da enfermaria altamente humanizado, com um sólido componente ético que reserve para crescer e se tornar à enfermaria como a profissão.

Establishment and characterization of a primary calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor cell population.

UNLABELLED: Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors (CEOTs) are rare neoplasms derived from dental tissue with the unique characteristic of calcifying amyloid-like material. OBJECTIVES: To establish primary CEOT epithelial-derived cell populations, investigate the expression of enamel matrix proteins (EMPs), and identify potential ameloblastin (AMBN) and patched 1 (PTCH1) gene alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 28-year-old patient with a lesion of the posterior maxilla, radiographically characterized by a radiolucency with well-defined borders containing mixed radiopacities, agreed to participate with informed consent. The patient's biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of CEOT, and a small representative tumor fragment was ascertained for cell culture. Explant cultures were established and used to establish primary cell populations. These were analyzed for morphology, cell proliferation, mineralization activity, expression of epithelial-associated markers (qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry), and gene mutations of AMBN or PTCH1. DNA was extracted from tumor cells and gene coding and exon-intron boundaries overlapping fragments amplified. PCR products were bidirectional DNA sequenced and compared against reference sequence. RESULTS: A CEOT cell population was established and proliferated in culture and could be maintained for several passages. Expression of EMPs, cytokeratin 14 and 17, and patched (PTCH1), as well as ALP activity, was detected. These cells also had the ability to mineralize, similar to the primary tumor. Two AMBN alterations were identified in the sample: c.1323G>A/A441A (rs7680880) and c.1344*+111delA. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms were identified in the PTCH1 gene. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the establishment of a CEOT-derived cell population, which expresses known epithelial-associated proteins.

Cambios moleculares en los márgenes de resección en el carcinoma de células escamosas de cavidad oral / Molecular changes in the resections borders in squamous cell cancer of oral cavity

Evaluación molecular de márgenes de resección en pacientes con carcinoma de células escamosas de cavidad oral sometidos a cirugía. 16 pacientes con carcinoma escamoso de cavidad oral, en cualquiera de sus localizaciones, sin tratamientos previos, intervenidos quirúrgicamente en el 2011. La pieza operatoria fue procesada por anatomía patológica a través del método tradicional, realizándose cortes adicionales que incluían: tumor y 0,5 cm de margen no tumoral. Se realizó hematoxilina-eosina y complementó con inmunomarcaje para p53, PCNA, Ki-67, factor de crecimiento epidérmico y receptor de crecimiento endotelial vascular. De los 16 pacientes en estudio la mayoría eran del género masculino, la edad promedio fue cercana a los 60 años, la mayoría eran pacientes consumidores de tabaco y alcohol. La lengua fue la localización más frecuente y los tumores se encontraban en un estadio avanzado (estadio III y IV). Estudio molecular: todos los marcadores evaluados se encontraban positivos en los márgenes de resección en el 93,75% de los pacientes. Los marcadores de proliferación celular como el PCNA y Ki-67 así como el p-53 se encontraban positivos entre 1,5 cm a 2 cm del tumor con un marcaje intenso. Por el contrario, el factor de crecimiento epidérmico el receptor de crecimiento endotelial vascular se encontraban positivos hasta 1,5 cm pero con menor intensidad. En el cáncer oral podemos observar con frecuencia cambios moleculares en el tejido aparentemente sano que rodea el tumor hasta por lo menos 15 mm.

The molecular evaluation of resection margins in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity who underwent surgery. Field of cancerization concept. We included 16 patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in any of their locations,without pre treatment, surgically treated in our hospital in the 2011 year. The surgical specimen was processed by the pathology department of our institution, through the traditional method, additional sectioned including the tumor and at least 0.5 cm margin non tumorigenic. Study was performed hematoxylin eosin and was supplemented with immunostaining for p53, PCNA, Ki-67, epidermal growth factor receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. The most important features of the 16 patients studied were: The majorities were male, the average age was around 60 years old; most of them were tobacco and alcohol consumers. The tongue was the most frequent location and most of the tumors were in an advanced stage (stage III y IV). In molecular evaluation all the markers were positive in the resection margins in 93.75% of all patients. The cell proliferation markers suchas PCNA and Ki-67 and the p-53 were positive 1.5 cm to2 cm tumor with intense staining. Conversely, epidermal receptor grow factors and vascular endothelial grow factor receptor were positive up to 1.5 cm but with less intensity. In oral cancer can often observe molecular changes in the apparently healthy tissue surrounding the tumor to at least 15 mm.

Prevalencia de caries dental y fluorosis en áreas de fluorosis endémica en el Estado Portuguesa, Venezuela / Prevalence of dental caries and flurosis endemic fluorosis areas of Portuguesa State, Venezuela

Determinar la prevalencia y severidad de caries y fluorosis dental en una zona de fluorosis endémica en Portuguesa. 187 individuos entre 2-62 años de edad de cuatro comunidades del Municipio Santa Rosalía fueron evaluados para caries dental según el índice CPOD/ceo (OMS) y para fluorosis dental de acuerdo al Índice de Dean. Todos los participantes en la presente investigación firmaron un consentimiento informado. Cada paciente respondió un cuestionario estructurado a tal fin y los datos fueron registrados. El examen clínico fue realizado por un examinador calibrado y se utilizó sonda WHO, espejo plano #5 y luz natural. Según el género, de los 187 pacientes, 96 fueron masculino (51%) y 91 femeninos (49%) y 90,9% de la población estudiada pertenecía a los estratos 4 y 5 de Graffar. El 69% de pacientes estaban libres de caries dental y los índices promedio CPOD y ceo fueron 1,7±3,62 y 0,41±1,15, respectivamente siendo el índice CPOD en Cogote significativamente menor (p<0,05) al compararlos con los observados en San Pablo y Playón (p>0,05), pero sin diferencias significativas al compararlo con el de Punto Fijo. El 76,9% de los individuos evaluados presentaban fluorosis dental siendo el grado de severidad promedio la categoría de moderado (Grado 4). Se le debe dar una alta prioridad a la defluoruración del agua, y en caso de que no sea posible, se debe proveer a la población de agua con concentraciones de fluoruro óptimas. No se observó asociación entre el grado de severidad de fluorosis dental y los niveles de fluoruro en el agua. Estudio parcialmente financiado por la Facultad de Odontología, UCV.

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of dental caries and fluorosis in an endemic area of Portuguesa State. One hundred eighty seven individuals, age ranging between 2-62 years, from four communities of Santa Rosalía Municipality were evaluated for dental caries index DMFT/dmf according to the WHO criteria and dental fluorosis using the Dean index. All participants signed the written consent to be enrolled for the study. The clinical examination was done by a calibrated examiner using the WHO probe, mirror #5 and natural light. The results from the study showed that 96/187 (51%) were male and 91/187 (49%) were female. According to socioeconomic status 90.9% of the studied population was level 4 and 5 according to Graffar criteria. Sixty nine percent of the patient was dental caries free and the mean indexes DMFT/dmf were 1.7±3.62 and 0.41±1.15, respectively. The lower DMFT scores were observed in Cogote (p<0.05) with statistical significant differences when compared to San Pablo and Playón but without differences when compares to Punto Fijo community (p>0.05). When analyzing the presence of dental fluorosis, 76.9% of the subjects had the condition being moderate (Grade 4). We may conclude that water defluoridation is of high priority in these communities, as well as to provide the population with optimal fluoride concentration in water. Our results indicate the absence of association between the fluoride concentration for water consumption and the dental fluorosis severity in endemic areas. Study partially supported by the Faculty of Dentistry, UCV.

Human papillomavirus and Epstein Barr virus in oral hairy leukoplakia among HIV positive Venezuelan patients.

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is commonly found in individuals infected with HIV and represents the most frequent oral manifestation. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in OHL of HIV+ Venezuelan patients. We evaluated 21 HIV+ adult patients with clinically present OHL lesions: 11 under antiretroviral therapy, 10 without therapy, and 10 oral mucosal samples as controls. Nested-PCR was used to detect EBV and HPV infection. The INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping v2 was applied to determine the HPV genotype. The EBV genome was found in 16/21 (76%) of the HIV+ patients with OHL. No difference was observed in EBV+ and EBV- patients related to antiretroviral therapy viral load and CD4+ Tcell coant. HPV-DNA was observed in 7/21 HIV positive cases (33%). The HPV genotypes detected were: 6, 11, 31, 33, 52, and 56/74. The most frequently HPV found was genotype 6 in 7/7, while two cases were HPV-11 and two HPV-52. Of the positive cases, 5/7 (71%) presented co-infection with more than one HPV genotype and 4/7 (57%) had HPV coinfection with high and low risk types. No case was EBV or HPV positive in the control group. In this study, a higher EBV prevalence was observed in OHL-HIV+ patients, confirming the etiologic role in this entity. A considerable number of cases were positive for HPV infection, and many patients presented coinfection with more than one HPV genotype as well as the presence of high oncogenic risk HPV in OHL.

Human papillomavirus and Epstein Barr virus in oral hairy leukoplakia among HIV positive Venezuelan patients

Oral hairy leukoplakia (OHL) is commonly found in individuals infected with HIV, and represents the most frequent oral manifestation. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) in OHL of HIV+ Venezuelan patients. We evaluated 21 HIV+ adult patients with clinically present OHL lesions: 11 under antiretroviral therapy, 10 without therapy, and 10 oral mucosal samples as controls. Nested-PCR was used to detect EBV and HPV infection. The INNO-LiPA HPV Genotyping v2 was applied to determine the HPV genotype. The EBV genome was found in 16/21 (76%) of the HIV+ patients with OHL. No difference was observed in EBV+ and EBV- patients related to antiretroviral therapy viral load and CD4+ T cell count. HPV-DNA was observed in 7/21 HIV positive cases (33%). The HPV genotypes detected were: 6, 11, 31, 33, 52, and 56/74. The most frequently HPV found was genotype 6 in 7/7, while two cases were HPV-11 and two HPV-52. Of the positive cases, 5/7 (71%) presented co-infection with more than one HPV genotype and 4/7 (57%) had HPV coinfection with high and low risk types. No case was EBV or HPV positive in the control group. In this study, a higher EBV prevalence was observed in OHL-HIV+ patients, confirming the etiologic role in this entity. A considerable number of cases were positive for HPV infection, and many patients presented coinfection with more than one HPV genotype as well as the presence of high oncogenic risk HPV in OHL.

El proposito del presente estudio fue detectar la presencia de virus papiloma humano (VPH) y Epstein Barr (VEB) en Leucoplasia Vellosa Oral (LVO) de pacientes VIH positivos. Se evaluaron 21 pacientes adultos VIH positivos con lesiones clinicas presentes de LVO y 10 casos controles de mucosa sana. Para el diagnostico molecular de VPH y EBV se utilizo Nested PCR. La determinacion de los genotipos se realizo mediante el kit HPV INNO-LiPA genotyping v2. La presencia de genoma de VEB se demostro en un alto porcentaje (76%) en 16/21 de los pacientes VIH positivos con LVO. No se observo relacion entre los pacientes VEB+ y VEBcon el uso de terapia antirretroviral, la carga viral y el contaje de celulas T CD4+. Se demostro la presencia de ADN-VPH en 7/21 (8%) de los casos VIH positivos. Los genotipos de VPH detectados fueron 6, 11, 31, 33, 52, 56/74. El genotipo 6 fue el mas frecuentemente observado en 7/7, dos casos fueron VPH 11 y dos VPH 52. De los casos positivos 5/7 (71%) presentaron coinfeccion con mas de un genotipo de VPH y en 4/7 (57%) se evidencio coinfeccion con tipos de alto y bajo riesgo oncogenico. En el presente estudio se observo una alta prevalencia de VEB en pacientes VIH positivos con LVO, confirmando el papel etiologico en esta entidad. Un considerable numero de casos fueron positivos para VPH. Se observo la presencia de coinfeccion con mas de un tipo viral, asi como la presencia de VPH de alto riesgo.

Human papillomavirus in ameloblastoma.

OBJECTIVE: Ameloblastomas are benign epithelial tumors of odontogenic origin, with a high recurrence rate and local aggressiveness. A few preliminary studies have demonstrated HPV presence mainly in peripheral ameloblastomas. The purpose of this study was to detect HPV-DNA in intraosseous ameloblastomas. METHODS: Eighteen cases of intraosseous ameloblastomas of different histological variants were selected. Immunohistochemistry, CISH, nested-PCR, and INNOLiPA HPV Genotyping v2 were used. RESULTS: The predominant age group was between the third and fourth decades of life. Males were more affected with 61% and females represented 39%. Of the 18 cases, 7 were solid multicystic tumors and 11 were unicystic. Of the histological variants, the plexiform represented 3 (17%) of the 18, 2 (11%) were follicular, 2 (11%) were acanthomatous, and 1 (6%) was desmoplastic. All cases were HPV negative by immunohistochemistry and CISH. HPV-DNA was detected in 6 (33%) of the cases by nested-PCR. HPV 6 was the most frequent genotype in 4 (66%) of the 6. Two cases presented a mixture of HPV 16, 33, and HPV 6, 42 respectively. Four of the unicystic ameloblastomas were HPV positive; of these, all presented koilocytic changes and were associated with dentigerous cysts, whereas only 2 positive cases corresponded to solid ameloblastomas. None of the positive cases were related to recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS: We may conclude that HPV low and high risk was detected in our sample of intraosseous ameloblastomas. HPV positivity was observed more in the unicystic cases than solid types.

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: similar behavior to sporadic type?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the expression of proliferative markers and p53 in keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) sporadic type and KCOT associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We performed a cross-sectional study. A total of 19 patients with KCOT were selected from the Oral Pathology Laboratory archives, Central University of Venezuela, from 1995 to 2005. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twelve cases corresponded to sporadic KCOT, and seven cases were associated with NBCCS. Immunohistochemical analysis for p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and Ki-67 was performed in all 19 cases. RESULTS: Of the seven cases associated with NBCCS, six (86%) were positive for PCNA. From the 12 sporadic cases, nine (75%) were positive for PCNA. Only one case of sporadic KCOT showed Ki-67 positivity. Five of 12 (42%) cases of sporadic KCOT were positive for p53, and only one (14%) case associated with NBCCS was positive for p53. CONCLUSION: On the basis of the analysis of the expression of PCNA, Ki-67, and p53, there appears to be no evidence to indicate higher aggressiveness in growth and infiltrative behavior in syndromic KCOT compared with the sporadic type. Therefore, surgical treatment may be approached in the same manner in KCOT sporadic and syndromic with the goal of minimizing recurrence.

Epstein Barr Virus detection and latent membrane protein 1 in oral hairy leukoplakia in HIV+ Venezuelan patients.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of Epstein Barr virus (EBV) in oral hairy leukoplakia lesions (OHL) in HIV+ Venezuelan patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this case study, we evaluated 21 HIV+ adult patients with clinically present OHL lesions, 11 who were undergoing antiretroviral therapy, 10 who were not undergoing therapy and 10 HIV-negative adult patients with hyperkeratotic oral mucosal lesions. All of the subjects were assessed at the Infectious Disease Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Central University of Venezuela, and were clinically examined to detect oral mucosal lesions with the confirmed histopathologic diagnosis. Nested-PCR was used to determine the EBV infection and the latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) expression by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Of the subjects, 16/21 (76%) of the HIV+/AIDS patients tested positive for EBV, whereas 5/10 (50%) of the HIV-negative subjects tested positive for EBV. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, a higher EBV prevalence was observed in HIV-positive patients when compared to HIV-negative patients without oral hairy leukoplakia, confirming the etiologic role in this entity. The LMP-1 in OHL patients who were both HIV+ and EBV+ was highly expressed (60%) at the epithelial basal cells. No association between the alcohol and tobacco consumption was observed among the EBV-positive cases.

Detección de Candida Albicans en lesiones de leucoplasia vellosa bucal de un grupo de pacientes venezolanos VIH+ / Detection of candida albicans in lesions of oral hairy leukoplakia a group of HIV + patients in Venezuela

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la prevalencia de la infección por Candida albicans en lesiones de Leucoplasia Vellosa Bucal (LVB) en un grupo de pacientes VIH+ en una muestra de la población venezolana. Para ello se evaluaron 21 pacientes adultos VIH+, con lesiones clínicas de Leucoplasia Vellosa Bucal, 11 con terapia antiretroviral y 10 sin terapia, y 10 pacientes adultos VIH- con lesiones hiperqueratósicas de la mucosa oral provenientes del Centro para la Atención de Pacientes con Enfermedades Infectocontagiosas de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Central de Venezuela. Los pacientes fueron examinados clinícamente para la detección de lesiones presentes en la mucosa oral, confirmándose el diagnóstico con el estudio histopatológico. La infección por C albicans se determinó mediante biopsias de las lesiones para su estudio histopatológico empleando dos técnicas diferentes, coloración de Pass y método de Grocott, y cultivo microbiológico en medio Agar Sabouraud Resultados: En pacientes VIH+ según los distintos métodos empleados se pudo observar que mediante el cultivo en Agar Sabouraud 6/21 (29%) de los pacientes fueron positivos y 15/21 (71%) fueron negativos. Con respecto a la coloración de Grocott, todos los 21 pacientes fueron positivos, mientras que con la coloración de PAS, 17/21 (81%) de los pacientes fueron positivos y 4/21 (19%) fueron negativos. En el caso de los pacientes VIH- con leucoplasia bucal, 1/10 (10%) resultó positivo mediante el cultivo en Agar Sabouraud y 9/10 (90%) fueron negativos. Mediante la coloración de Grocott todos los pacientes (10) fueron negativos para la presencia del hongo, e iguales resultados fueron obtenidos con la coloración de PAS. Conclusión: Se observó una mayor prevalencia de la infección por C. albicans en pacientes VIH+ lo que demuestra que la presencia del hongo, constituye un factor fuertemente asociado a los pacientes con LVB

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Candida albicans infection in Oral Hairy Leukoplakia (OHL) in Venezuelan HIV+ population. We evaluated 21 HIV+ adults patients with the clinical diagnosis of OHL, 11 under antiretroviral therapy, 10 without and 10 HIV negative adults with hyperkeratotic lesions on the oral mucosa as a control group, from the Center of Infectious diseases, Faculty of Dentistry, Central University of Venezuela. All patients were clinically examined and definitive histopathological diagnosis was made. C albicans was detected by two different histochemical methods: PAS and Groccot and microbiological culture using Agar Sabouraud medium. The results demonstrated that 6/21 (29%) patients were positive by microbiological culture and 15/21 (71%) were negative. All the patients were positive by Grocott special stain while 17/21 (81%) were positive using PAS. In the control group, 1 patient was positive by culture and 9/10 (90%) were negative. Additionally, all the patients were negative by Grocott and PAS. In conclusion, we observed a higher prevalence of C. albicans infection in HIV+ patients, suggesting that the presence of this microorganism may constitute an associated factor in OHL

Granulomatous foreign-body reaction involving oral and perioral tissues after injection of biomaterials: a series of 7 cases and review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Injectable implants used for soft-tissue augmentation may lead to a granulomatous foreign-body reaction. The aim of this report is to present 7 new cases of foreign-body granulomas involving the oral and perioral tissues, after injection of biomaterials to achieve soft-tissue augmentation. In addition, the clinical and epidemiological profile of this condition is summarized, based on a review of the English-language literature of all previously described cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report on 7 new cases of granulomatous foreign-body reaction involving the oral and perioral tissues after the injection of biomaterials. A comprehensive literature review is also presented. RESULTS: The literature search revealed 49 cases of this condition affecting the oral and perioral tissues. Our 7 patients were female, with a mean age of 52.8 years (range, 34 to 70 years). The lower lip was affected in 4 cases, 1 case was located in the upper lip, 1 case in the buccal mucosa, while 1 case involved 2 different sites (upper lip and buccal mucosa). Histopathologic examination revealed numerous cells with clear, often multiple, cytoplasmic vacuoles, bearing a resemblance to lipoblasts. Immunohistochemistry revealed diffuse positivity for the histiocytic marker CD68. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of granulomatous foreign-body reactions may be challenging because of their microscopic resemblance to liposarcoma, and because of the occasional reluctance of patients to report the previously performed esthetic procedure. A clinical history, histopathologic examination, and immunohistochemical analysis (as needed) are essential in achieving an accurate diagnosis.

Correlación clínico - patológica de lesiones diagnosticadas inicialmente como leucoplasia bucal y el diagnóstico histopatológico de displasia epitelial en una muestra de 11250 pacientes adultos Facultad de Odontología Universidad Central Venezuela / Correlation clinical - pathological lesions initially diagnosed as oral leukoplakia and histopathological diagnosis of epithelial dysplasia in a sample of 11250 adult patients Facultad de Odontología Universidad Central de Venezuela

La Leucoplasia Bucal (LB) es reconocida como una lesión que presenta características histopatológicas de Displasia Epitelial (DE). La proporción de DE que progresa a carcinoma Espino Celular es variada y se encuentra en un rango de 6,6 a 36 por ciento. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la correlación entre LB de la mucosa bucal con diagnóstico histopatológico de DE, para tal fin se revisaron un total de 11.250 historias, pudiéndose determinar que 180 de éstas correspondían a la patología a estudiar. Estos datos fueron analizados de acuerdo a su localización anatómica, sexo, edad, grupo étnico y grado de DE, 180 casos representaron LB con diferentes grados de Displasias, de las cuales 97(52,8 por ciento) eran DE leves, 67(37,2 por ciento) DE moderadas y 18(10,0 por ciento) DE severas. La localización anatómica más frecuentemente afectada fue la mucosa del reborde alveolar con 42 casos (24,1 por ciento), seguido por la mucosa del carrillo 35 casos (19,2 por ciento). La mayor prevalencia de edad fue del grupo de 50-59años (30,2 por ciento). El sexo femenino obtuvo el mayor número de casos. 102 casos (56,4 por ciento). En cuanto al grupo étnico el caucasoideo fue el más afectado con 98 casos (53,8 por ciento). Se reportó un 43 por ciento de pacientes con hábitos tabáquicos. Al correlacionar clínico-patológicamente los casos de este estudio se pudo evidenciar que el diagnóstico clínico de Leucoplasia esta más frecuentemente relacionada con el diagnóstico histopatológico de Displasia leve

Oral Leucoplakia (OL) is a term used to describe predominantly white lesions of the oral mucous which cannot be characterized as other specific lesions and which have a potential for malignant transformation. OL is recognized as a lesion with the histopathological characteristics of epithelial dysplasia. The proportion of epithelial dysplasia (ED) which progress to spin cellular carcinomas varies within a range of 6.6 percent to 36 percent. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between ED of the oral mucous clinically diagnosed as Leucoplakia. To that end a total of 11,250 micro histories were reviewed, representing all the samples analized from October 1968 to December 1998. It was found that 180 of these cases reflected the pathology of interest. These data were analyzed according to their anatomical location, sex, age, ethnic group, and degree of epithelial dysplasia. 180 cases represented oral Leucoplakias with differing degrees of dysplasia, of which 97 (52.8 percent) were mild ED, 67 (37. 2 percent) were moderate ED and 18 (10 percent) were severed ED. The most frequent anatomical location reported in this study was the mucous of the alveolar ridge, with 42 cases (24. 1 percent). Next came and the cheek mucous, with 35 cases (19.2 percent). The leading age group was 50 - 59 years (30.2 percent) Females had a higher predisposition with 102 cases (56.4 percent). The Caucasian ethnic group was the most frequently affected, with 98 cases (53.8 percent). 43 percent of the patients were reported to be smokers. A clinical - pathological correlation of the cases reviewed in this study shows that Leucoplakia is most often related to histopathological diagnosis of mild dysplasia

Correlación clínico - patológica de la eritroplasia bucal con diagnóstico histopatológico de displasia epitelial en una muestra de la población venezolana / Pathological and clinical correlation with histopathologic diagnosis eritoplasia oral epithelial dysplasia in a sample of the Venezuelan population

El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la correlación clínico-patológica entre la Eritroplasia Bucal (EB) y la Displasia Epitelial (DE). Se realizó un estudio de carácter retrospectivo, transversal y descriptivo. Para tal fin se revisaron un total de 11.250 historias, que representan todos los casos diagnosticados desde octubre de 1968 hasta diciembre de 1998 en el Laboratorio Central de Histopatología Bucal, pudiéndose determinar que 8 de éstas correspondían a la patología a estudiar. Estos datos fueron analizados de acuerdo a su aspecto clínico, localización anatómica, sexo, edad, y grado de Displasia Epitelial, 8 casos representaron Eritroplasias de la mucosa bucal con diferentes grados de Displasia Epitelial, de las cuales 3(37,5 por ciento) eran DE leves, 4(50 por ciento) DE moderadas y 1(12,5 por ciento) DE severas. La localización anatómica más frecuentemente afectada fue el paladar duro con 3 casos (37,5 por ciento), seguido por paladar blando con 2 casos (25 por ciento), labio, lengua  y encía con 1 caso cada uno (12,5 por ciento). No hubo prevalencia en edad mostrando igual proporción para el grupo de 20- 29 años, 30-39 años y 60 y más años(n=2; 25 por ciento) y para el grupo de 10 a 19 y 50 a 59 años 1 caso cada uno (12,5 por ciento) El sexo femenino fue el de mayor predilección 5 casos (62,5 por ciento). Se reportó un 100 por ciento de pacientes con hábitos tabáquicos. Al correlacionar clínico-patológicamente los casos de este estudio se pudo evidenciar que la EB esta más frecuentemente relacionada con el diagnóstico histopatológico de Displasia Epitelial Moderada

The objective of this study was to establish the clinical-pathological correlation between the Buccal Erythroplakia and the Epithelial Dysplasia (ED).  A study of retrospective, cross-sectional and descriptive character was made (Prevalence).  For such aim a total of 11,250 histories was reviewed, that represent all the cases diagnosed from October of 1968 to December of 1998 in the Central Laboratory of Oral Histopatología, being able to determine that 8 of these corresponded to the pathology to study.  These data were analyzed according to their anatomical location, sex, age, ethnic group and degree of Epithelial Dysplasias, 8 cases represented Erythroplakias of the buccal mucosa with different degrees from Epithelial Dysplasia, of which 3(37,5 percent) they were ED slight, 4(50 percent) ED moderate and 1(12,5 percent) ED severe.  More the frequently affected anatomical location was to palate hard with 3 cases (37,5 percent), followed by palate soft with 2 cases (25 percent), lip, tongue and gingiva with 1 case each one (12,5 percent). There was prevalence in age showing no equal proportion for the 20- 29 group  years, 30-39 years and 60 and more years(n=2;  25 percent)  Female sex was the one of greater predilection 5 cases (62,5 percent).  A 100 percent of patients with tabáquicos habits were reported.  When clinical-pathological correlating the cases of this study could be demonstrated that the Erythroplakias of the buccal mucosa this more frequently related to the histopatológico diagnosis of Moderate Epithelial Dysplasia

Evaluación de oncógenes y moléculas de proliferación celular: en carcinoma escamoso de cavidad oral / Oncogenes and moleculas the evaluation of proliferative cells: in squamous carcinoma of oral cavity

El cáncer de la cavidad oral comprende el 30 por ciento de los cánceres de cabeza y cuello, de los cuales el 95 por ciento son carcinoma escamoso. Se han descrito numerosos factores de riesgo y en los últimos años han surgido una serie de moléculas de proliferación celular y de oncógenes en los cuales su expresión podría estar aumentada en los pacientes con cáncer escamoso de la cavidad oral. El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar los marcadores de proliferación celular Ki-67 y PCNA y los oncógenes p53, p21 y c-erbB2, en pacientes con carcinoma escamoso localizado en la cavidad oral y correlacionarlo con los factores clínicos y patológicos en el grupo evaluado. A las biopsias de 52 pacientes con carcinoma escamoso de cavidad oral, vistos en el Hospital Oncológico “Padre Machado” entre 1995 y 1999, se les evaluó, con técnicas de inmunohistoquímica, las moléculas de proliferación celular PCNA y Ki-67 y los oncógenes p53, p21 y c-erbB2. La proporción de resultados positivos en inmunohistoquímica fue el siguiente: PCNA 90,4 por ciento, p21 63,5 por ciento, Ki-67 53,8 por ciento, p53 48,1 por ciento y el c-erbB2 con 3,8 por ciento. La permeación vascular y el grado de diferenciación fue significativo en este estudio en correlación con la presencia de p53, p21, c-erbB2, PCNA y Ki-67. El PCNA y p21, fueron los biomarcadores encontrados más frecuentemente. La permeación vascular, el grado histológico tienen relación estadísticamente significativa con todos los biomarcadores en estudio.

The oral cavity cancer account for 30 % of all of head and neck cancers, among which 95 % are squamous cell type carcinoma. There are described many risk factors involved, and in the last few years there is been a wide a series development of cell proliferation molecules and oncogenes, in which can be over expressed in the patients with squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the proliferation cells marker Ki-67 and PCNA and the p53, p21 oncogenes and the c-erbB2 in patients with squamous cell carcinoma, localized in oral cavity and his correlation with clinical and pathological factors in the evaluated group. To the biopsies of 52 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity seen in the Oncology Hospital “Padre Machado” between 1995 and 1999 there were evaluated with immunohistochemestry techniques to determine Ki-67 and PCNA cell-proliferation markers and p53, p21, c-erbB2 oncogenes. The proportion of positive results found were: In the immunohistochemestry: 90.4 % PCNA, 63.5 % p21, 53.8 % Ki-67, 48.1 % p53 and 3.8 % in c-erbB2. In our study, the vascular permeability and the differentiation degree were significant in this study with the correlation of the presence of the p53, p21, c-erbB2, PCNA and Ki-67. The PCNA and p21 were the most common found biomarkers. The vascular permeability and the histological grade show a significant statistic relation with all study biomarkers.

Prevalence of oral soft tissue lesions in an elderly venezuelan population.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to determine the prevalence of the oral soft tissue lesions in patients referred to the geriatric unit "Dr. Joaquin Quintero", National Institute of Gerontology. STUDY DESIGN: 340 patients were clinically evaluated, of these 266 were institutionalized and 74 were seen at the outpatient clinic, age ranging 60 to 104 years. 212 were females and 128 males. The statistical analysis was done using the SPSS software (11.0) to a significant level of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: Fifty seven percent of the studied population presented one or more oral lesions, associated to prosthetic use, trauma and tobacco consumption. Females were more affected than males. The lesions were more frequently observed between 60 to 74 years of the institutionalized group of patients of these, 34% exhibited only one oral lesion. Few cases presented up to 4 oral lesions. The most common alterations observed were: denture stomatitis, oral leukoplakia, hemangioma, oral melanotic macule, traumatic fibroma, inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia and angular cheilitis. CONCLUSIONS: The findings observed in this population are important to be considered when clinically evaluating oral soft tissue in elderly. Close follow up and systematic evaluation is required in this population.