Acquired oral syphilis: A multicenter study of 339 patients from South America.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinicopathologic features of acquired oral syphilis cases in South American countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical data were retrospectively collected from the records of 18 oral diagnostic services in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Venezuela, Uruguay, and Peru. Serologies of nontreponemal and treponemal tests were used for diagnosis. RESULTS: The series comprised 339 cases of acquired oral syphilis. Secondary syphilis ranked as the most common stage (86.7%). Lesions were more frequent among males (58.0%) and young adults with a mean age of 33.3 years. Individuals aged 20-29 years were most affected (35.3%). The most commonly involved sites were the tongue (31.6%), lip/labial commissure (25.1%), and hard/soft palate (20.4%). Clinically, acquired oral syphilis usually presented as mucous patches (28.4%), papules (25.7%), and ulcers (18.1%). Skin manifestations occurred in 67.7% of individuals, while lymphadenopathy and fever were observed in 61.3% and 11.6% of all subjects, respectively. Most patients were treated with the benzathine penicillin G antibiotic. CONCLUSION: This report validates the spread of acquired oral syphilis infection among young adults in South America. Our directives include accessible diagnostic tools for proper disease screening, surveillance, and counselling of affected individuals, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Prevalence of traumatic orofacial and dental injury in unidentified bodies-Data from a forensic medicine institute in Brazil.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Orofacial trauma and traumatic dental injuries (TDI) are serious public health problems due to their high prevalence, severe morbidity, high costs of treatment, and long-term sequelae. However, the extent of the problem may be underestimated since trauma analysis, from a forensic odontology perspective, is not widely represented in the scientific literature. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of traumatic orofacial injuries (TOI) and TDI in unidentified bodies and their association with the cause of death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of dental and autopsy reports of unidentified bodies admitted to the Institute of Forensic Medicine of Belo Horizonte (IFM-BH), Brazil, between 2015 and 2016. The final sample was made up of 536 bodies. Demographic data, the location where the body was found, cause of death, and the presence and type of orofacial trauma were collected. RESULTS: The mean of the estimated age of the bodies was 38 years and the median was 35 years. Most of the bodies were from males (87.5%) and were found downtown in the city of Belo Horizonte (60.4%). Violence was the most common cause of death (64%), generally by gunshot (48.7%). Bodies with an estimated age ≤35 years were eight times more likely to have died from violent causes. TOI was registered in 50.9% of the reports. TDI was observed in 10.8% of the bodies. Victims of violent death were seven times more likely to present TOI. Such association was not observed when the presence of TDI was considered. CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive association between TOI and violent death in unidentified bodies.

Recurrent peripheral ameloblastoma in an elderly patient: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of recurrent peripheral ameloblastoma (PA) in an elderly patient. BACKGROUND: PA is a benign tumour that affects soft tissues of gingiva or edentulous alveolar areas, exhibiting histopathological characteristics of ameloblastoma. METHODS: A 79-year-old man showed a nodule in the edentulous right mandibular alveolar ridge diagnosed as recurrent PA. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should consider PA as a differential diagnosis of routine nodular lesions affecting the oral mucosa of geriatric patients.

Vertical augmentation of the posterior atrophic mandible by interpositional grafts in a split-mouth design: a human tomography evaluation pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Using computed tomography, to compare vertical and volumetric bone augmentation after interposition grafting with bovine bone mineral matrix (GEISTLICH BIO-OSS® ) or hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (STRAUMANN® BONECERAMIC) for atrophic posterior mandible reconstruction through segmental osteotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seven patients received interposition grafts in the posterior mandible for implant rehabilitation. The computed tomography cone beam images were analysed with OsiriX Imaging Software 6.5 (Pixmeo Geneva, Switzerland) in the pre-surgical period (T0), at 15 days post-surgery (T1) and at 180 days post-surgery (T2). The tomographic analysis was performed by a single trained and calibrated radiologist. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric methods were used to analyse the data. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in vertical and volume augmentation with both biomaterials using the technique (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in volume change of the graft, bone volume augmentation, or augmentation of the maximum linear vertical distance between the two analysed biomaterials. CONCLUSIONS: The GEISTLICH BIO-OSS® and STRAUMANN® BONECERAMIC interposition grafts exhibited similar and sufficient dimensional stability and volume gain for short implants in the atrophic posterior mandible.

Dentoskeletal effects of 3 maxillary expanders in patients with clefts: A cone-beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the skeletal and dental changes in the maxillae of patients with clefts treated with 3 expanders: hyrax, fan-type, and inverted mini-hyrax supported on the first premolars. METHODS: Thirty patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate with transverse maxillary deficiency were divided into 3 groups, according to the type of expander that they used. Cone-beam computed tomography images were taken before and 3 months after expansion, and the paired t test was used to evaluate the changes in each group. RESULTS: The subjects in the inverted mini-hyrax group showed significant forward displacement of the maxilla (P <0.05). On the transversal plane, the hyrax group showed greater expansion in the posterior region than in the anterior region (P <0.05). However, the fan-type and the inverted mini-hyrax groups showed significantly greater maxillary expansion anteriorly than posteriorly (P <0.05). There was a greater tendency for buccal inclination of the supporting teeth when the fan-type was used. The cleft and the noncleft sides expanded symmetrically with all appliances, and there was no difference in dental tipping between these sides (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The hyrax expander showed better results for cleft patients requiring anterior and posterior maxillary expansion. The inverted mini-hyrax most effectively restricted posterior expansion, optimizing anterior expansion without causing as much buccal tipping of the supporting teeth as did the fan-type.

Anatomic variations and lesions of the mandibular canal detected by cone beam computed tomography.

PURPOSE: The mandibular canal is a significant anatomical structure in implant dentistry, and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an important diagnostic image modality in this field of dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequencies of anatomic variations and lesions affecting the mandibular canal in CBCT images of the mandible produced for dental implant planning. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated a sample of 250 CBCT examinations (500 mandibular canals). The inclusion criterion was CBCT examinations of the mandible requested for dental implant planning. The presence of anatomic variations and lesions affecting the mandibular canal was evaluated in the CBCT examinations. Moreover, the buccolingual position of the mandibular canal was evaluated in the molar region and in the ramus region. The CBCT exams were evaluated by one observer. The data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. The one-way ANOVA test was employed to compare the age between the anatomic variations. A paired t test was used to compare the buccolingual position between the molar region and the ramus region. Differences were considered significant when p values were lower than 0.05. RESULTS: The anatomic variations detected were large-diameter mandibular incisive canal (51.6 %), ramification (12 %), and accessory mental foramen (3.2 %). No difference was observed in the age of the patients between the anatomic variations (p > 0.05). The identified lesions included hypomineralization of the canal walls (20.8 %), idiopathic osteosclerosis (8.8 %), osteolytic lesions (3.2 %), iatrogenic perforation of the mandibular canal (2.8 %), and fibro-osseous lesions (1.6 %). The distance between the mandibular canal and the vestibular cortical bone was higher in the molar region than in the ramus region (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic variations and lesions affecting the mandibular canal were common findings in the CBCT images of the mandible produced for dental implant planning. An awareness of these alterations is important for dentistry because some of them might require treatment, change oral surgery planning and difficult inferior alveolar nerve anesthetic block.

Anatomic variations and lesions of the maxillary sinus detected in cone beam computed tomography for dental implants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the presence of anatomic variations and lesions of the maxillary sinus in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the maxilla required for dental implant planning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This transversal prevalence study evaluated a sample of 500 consecutive CBCT exams. The inclusion criteria were CBCT exams of the maxilla required for dental implant planning. The CBCT exams were independently evaluated by two oral and maxillofacial radiologists who assessed the presence of anatomic variations and lesions of the maxillary sinus. As most of the CBCT exams did not allow the evaluation of the area close to the maxillary sinus roof, anatomic variations that take place at this site were not assessed. RESULTS: The anatomic variations detected were pneumatization (83.2%), antral septa (44.4%), hypoplasia (4.8%), and exostosis (2.6%). The identified lesions were mucosal thickening (≤3 mm in 54.8% and >3 mm in 62.6%), polypoid lesions (21.4%), discontinuity of the sinus floor (17.4%), air-fluid level (4.4%), bone thickening of the maxillary sinus wall (3.8%), antroliths (3.2%), discontinuity of the sinus lateral wall (2.6%), sinus opacification (1.8%), and foreign body (1.6%). CONCLUSION: Anatomic variations and lesions of the maxillary sinus were common findings in CBCT exams of the maxilla required for dental implant planning. As some of these conditions can modify dental implant planning and must require specialized treatment, its recognition is noteworthy in dental practice, and especially in implantology. The amount and significance of the anatomic variations and lesions detected in this study reinforces the importance of computed tomography in preoperative dental implant planning.

Endodontic cement penetration after removal of calcium hydroxide dressing using XP-endo finisher.

We aimed to evaluate the penetration of endodontic cement following the removal of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) dressing using the XP-endo Finisher in association with different irrigating solutions. Sixty premolars were instrumented and applied with a Ca(OH)2 dressing. To remove Ca(OH)2, the teeth were divided into six groups, each with a different volume of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), as well as solution stirring time with XP-endo Finisher (0, 30, and 60 sec). Root canals were filled using the lateral condensation technique. Fluorescein dye was added to the cement for microscopic laser scanning analysis. In the generated images, linear measurements were taken in micrometers, and their averages were calculated. To analyze the perimeter penetration ratio of the cement, the total perimeter of the canal and the segment of the total perimeter of the canal where the endodontic cement penetrated into the dentinal tubules were measured in micrometers. We found that using an XP-endo Finisher in irrigation was more effective than using a needle and syringe during the extension and penetration of endodontic cement. Shaking with XP-endo Finisher with 17% EDTA increased the extent and perimeter of the penetration of the endodontic cement into the dentinal tubules. However, using the XP-endo Finisher with EDTA only was more efficient than using the instrument interchangeably in NaOCl and EDTA. Although XP-endo Finisher contributes to the removal of Ca(OH)2, none of the protocols or instruments used removed all Ca(OH)2 from the root system.

Push-out bond strength and marginal adaptation of apical plugs with bioactive endodontic cements in simulated immature teeth.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the bond strength and marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Repair HP and Biodentine used as apical plugs; MTA was used as reference material for comparison. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 single-rooted teeth with standardized, artificially created open apices were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10 per group), according to the material used to form 6-mm-thick apical plugs: group 1 (MTA Repair HP); group 2 (Biodentine); and group 3 (white MTA). Subsequently, the specimens were transversely sectioned to obtain 2 (cervical and apical) 2.5-mm-thick slices per root. Epoxy resin replicas were observed under a scanning electron microscope to measure the gap size at the material/dentin interface (the largest and smaller gaps were recorded for each replica). The bond strength of the investigated materials to dentin was determined using the push-out test. The variable bond strengths and gap sizes were evaluated independently at the apical and cervical root dentin slices. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytic statistics. RESULTS: The comparison between the groups regarding the variables' bond strengths and gap sizes showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05) except for a single difference in the smallest gap at the cervical root dentin slice, which was higher in group 3 than in group 1 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The bond strength and marginal adaptation to root canal walls of MTA HP and Biodentine cement were comparable to white MTA.

Malignant lesion of clear cells: A diagnostic challenge of an unusual presentation mimicking a benign lesion.

In the oral cavity, a broad spectrum of differential diagnostics includes lesions composed of clear cells. Under this umbrella, Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma (CCOC) and Hyalinizing Clear Cell Carcinoma (HCCC) are rare malignancies that arise from different histological origins. However, the histology is similar; therefore, differentiation of CCOC and HCCC lesions is difficult and, in some cases, impossible to distinguish morphologically and immunohistochemically. Herein, we report an unusual presentation of a well-defined nodular lesion affecting the maxillary gingiva in a 19-year-old female, which presented clinically as a benign or reaction etiology lesion. Microscopic evaluation showed a tumor composed of cell sheets with clear cytoplasm, separated by septa of fibrous tissue and invading the connective tissue. Tumor cells were positive for p63 and AE1/AE3 and negative for PAX8, smooth muscle actin (AML) and estrogen receptor. The diagnosis was carcinoma with a clear cell pattern, and it was not possible to distinguish between HCCC and CCOC. In this study, clinicopathologic, histologic, and immunohistochemistry features of CCOC and HCCC were discussed due to the challenging histological diagnosis. Radical surgical treatment and rehabilitation of the patient through graft and dental implants were performed. The patient is under follow-up with no signs of recurrence.

Resinous adhesive systems differentially affect the expression of cytokines by human monocytes stimulated or not with Streptococcus mutans in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The polymerization of adhesive systems is incomplete and the residual monomers that have been released have a cytotoxic capacity. Some teeth develop into pulp necrosis after composite resin restorations. Considering frequent pulpal inflammation in response to cariogenic bacteria, substances released from the patches could affect the cells of the inflammatory infiltrate and interfere with the mechanisms of defense against microorganisms and protection of pulpal tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of substances released by different resinous adhesive systems on cell viability and cytokine expression by human monocytes stimulated in vitro with Streptococcus mutans. DESIGN: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 10 healthy subjects were stimulated with S. mutans and then incubated with supernatants obtained from the Single Bond Universal (SBU) or Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB) adhesive systems for eight hours. Staining with Annexin V and 7AAD for analysis of apoptosis were performed and detection of monocytes expressing cytokines IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-α were performed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: No treatment significantly affected apoptosis in monocytes. SBU supernatant increased the frequency of monocytes expressing IL-8 and decreased the monocytes expressing IL-10. Considering S. mutans-stimulated cells, while SBU increased the frequency of IL-8+ monocytes, CSEB reduced the frequency of IL-6 and TNF-α positive monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Products released from SBU seem to induce proinflammatory effects on monocytes while those from CSEB show an anti-inflammatory outcome. These effects may interfere in the control of cytokine-mediated immunoinflammatory pulp reactions, both in the presence and absence of stimulation by cariogenic bacteria.

Composite-derived monomers affect cell viability and cytokine expression in human leukocytes stimulated with Porphyromonas gingivalis.

OBJECTIVES: Dental composites release unreacted resin monomers into the oral environment, even after polymerization. Periodontal cells are, therefore, exposed to substances that potentially elicit the immune inflammatory response. The underlying molecular mechanisms associated with the interaction between resin monomers and human immune cells found in the gingival crevicular fluid are not fully understood yet. This study investigated the ability of bisphenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BISGMA), urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) to induce apoptosis and cytokine release by human leukocytes stimulated with a periodontal pathogen. METHODOLOGY: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 16 healthy individuals were included in this study. To determine the toxicity, the PBMC were incubated for 20 hours, with monomers, for the analysis of cell viability using MTT assay. To evaluate cell death in the populations of monocytes and lymphocytes, they were exposed to sub-lethal doses of each monomer and of heat-inactivated Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) for 5 hours. Secretions of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α were determined by ELISA after 20 hours. RESULTS: UDMA and TEGDMA induced apoptosis after a short-time exposure. Bacterial challenge induced significant production of IL-1ß and TNF-α (p<0.05). TEGDMA reduced the bacterial-induced release of IL-1ß and TNF-α, whereas UDMA reduced IL-1ß release (p<0.05). These monomers did not affect IL-10 and IL-6 secretion. BISGMA did not significantly interfere in cytokine release. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that resin monomers are toxic to PBMC in a dose-dependent manner, and may influence the local immune inflammatory response and tissue damage mechanisms via regulation of bacterial-induced IL-1ß and TNF-α secretion by PBMC.

Cell proliferation and apoptosis in keratocystic odontogenic tumors.

OBJECTIVES: Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs), also known as odontogenic keratocysts, were recently classified as a benign neoplasia due to the aggressive clinical behavior. Although several studies have shown the high proliferative activity of the epithelial lining, few studies have evaluated apoptosis in KOTs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the proliferation index (PI) and the apoptotic index (AI) of the epithelial lining in sporadic KOTs, KOTs associated with the Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome (NBCCS KOTs), and dentigerous cysts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 11 sporadic KOTs, 15 NBCCS KOTs, and 11 dentigerous cysts were evaluated. The PI was assessed by immunohistochemical detection of the cell proliferation marker Ki-67. The AI was assessed by morphological evaluation of sections stained by methyl green-pyronin. The TUNEL assay was used to confirm the occurrence of apoptosis. Differences in the PI and the AI between sporadic KOTs, NBCCS KOTs, and dentigerous cysts were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Differences in the PI and the AI between the epithelial layers of each lesion were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: The PI and AI were higher in sporadic and NBCCS KOTs than in dentigerous cysts. No difference in these indexes was observed between sporadic and NBCCS KOTs. In dentigerous cysts, the PI was higher in the basal layer. In sporadic and NBCCS KOTs, the PI was higher in suprabasal layer. No difference in the AI was observed between the basal layer and the suprabasal layer in the three lesions. The AI was higher in the superficial layer of sporadic and NBCCS KOTs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that the epithelial lining of KOTs shows a distinct pattern of cell proliferation and apoptosis, reflecting its high cell turnover and reinforcing its classification as an odontogenic tumor.

Advanced osteosarcoma of the maxilla: a case report.

Osteosarcomas are primary malignant bone tumours in which mesenchymal cells produce osteoid. It is generally the most common malignant bone neoplasm, although lesions of the jaw are uncommon. Osteosarcoma of the jaw (JOS) presents a lower incidence of metastasis and a better prognosis than osteosarcoma of the long bones. However, patients with JOS can exhibit advanced tumours, mainly when early diagnosis is not performed. This article reports on a case of an advanced osteosarcoma of the maxilla. A 38-year-old woman was referred for evaluation and treatment of recurrent fibrous dysplasia of the facial bones. The patient related that she had been diagnosed with fibrous dysplasia four years earlier and, since the first diagnosis, she was submitted to four surgical interventions, all followed by recurrences. The main clinical findings were redness and swelling of the facial skin, upper lip ulceration, and hard palate swelling. Computed tomography showed a large hyperdense mass in right maxilla extending to right orbit and left maxillary sinus. An incisional biopsy was performed and microscopic examination showed areas of osteoid and chondroid formation surrounded by a cellular stroma. The diagnosis of osteosarcoma was established and the patient was recommended for oncologic treatment. Unfortunately, she died six months after the diagnosis due to uncontrollable local spread.

Assessment of Dental Implant Stability in Areas Previously Submitted to Maxillary Sinus Elevation.

This study aimed to compare the primary and secondary stability, measured by resonance frequency analysis (RFA), in implants of different lengths installed in areas submitted to maxillary sinus lift. Correlation between RFA and implant insertion torque was also assessed. Twenty implants of 9 and 11 mm were inserted in areas submitted to maxillary sinus lift. The insertion torque was measured by the Bien Air motor. Osstell, through RFA, determined the implant stability quotient (ISQ) 2 times: the day of implant installation (T1) and 90 days after implant installation (T2). No differences were observed in the ISQ between T1 and T2 when the 20 implants were grouped, nor when the 9 mm implants were evaluated separately. In contrast, when the 11 mm values were evaluated separately, the ISQ was significantly higher in T2 than in T1 ( P < .05). In T1, 9 mm implants had a higher ISQ than 11 mm ones ( P < .05), whereas in T2, the implants of 11 mm showed a higher ISQ than did the 9 mm implants ( P < .05). There was no difference in insertion torque between 9 and 11 mm implants ( P > .05), nor was there a correlation between ISQ and insertion torque ( P > .05). In conclusion, longer implants (11 mm) presented a significant increase in ISQ values during the healing period when installed in areas previously submitted to maxillary sinus lift. This phenomenon was not observed for shorter implants (9 mm). Finally, no correlation was observed between ISQ and insertion torque.

Mechanical Properties of Mini-Implants Used in Extra-Radicular Anchorage

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the mechanical properties of mini-implants (MIs) manufactured from stainless steel and compare them with conventional titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs. Material and Methods: The following groups were formed: G1 (n=24), 8×1.5 mm steel MIs; G2 (n=24), 12×2.0 mm steel MIs; and G3 (n=24), 10×1.5 mm titanium MIs. The 72 MIs were inserted in the infra zygomatic crest region of the maxilla and retromolar trigone in the jaw of 10 pigs. Pull-out, insertion torque, fracture and percussion tests were performed in order to measure the tensile strength, primary stability and fracture strength of MIs. A digital torque gauge was used to measure insertion and fracture torque, a universal mechanical testing machine was used for pull-out testing and a periotest device was used to measure the micromovement of MIs. For morphological and MI component evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed. D'Agostino & Pearson, Kruskal-Wallis, and Dunn post-hoc and normality tests were used. Results: G2 insertion and fracture torques were significantly higher than G1 and G3 insertion and fracture torques (p<0.05). The pull-out and percussion tests presented similar values among the groups. SEM revealed that the fracture point was predominantly on the fourth thread for steel MIs (G1 and G2) and on the seventh thread for titanium-aluminum-vanadium MIs (G3). Conclusion: The mechanical properties of stainless steel MIs are superior to those of titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy MIs.

Peripheral Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst: A rare case report.

The Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst (COC) is a simple cyst lined by ameloblastoma-like epithelium with ghost cells. The peripheral COC is a rare lesion and few reports have been published considering its clinical and histopathological features. This article aimed to report on a case of a peripheral COC, discussing its clinical, imaginological and histopathological features. A 9-year-old male patient presented a 10x5 mm painless nodule in the palatal mucosa of the left central incisor. Panoramic, occlusal and periapical radiographs did not show alterations. A computed tomography exam showed a slight soft tissue swelling located in the palatal mucosa of the left maxillary central incisor. An excisional biopsy was performed. The histopathological analysis showed a cystic lesion adhered to an oral mucosa fragment and lined by an ameloblastoma-like epithelium with ghost cells. The diagnosis of peripheral COC was established and the patient has been disease-free for 5 years. Although rare, peripheral COC is an important lesion that should be considered as a differential diagnosis of gingival hyperplastic lesions. Key words:Calcifying odontogenic cyst, odontogenic tumors, peripheral calcifying odontogenic cyst.

Clinical, Imaging, and Laboratory Findings in Sjögren's Syndrome.

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a rare condition characterized by structural damage and secretory dysfunction of the lacrimal and salivary glands that leads to dryness, particularly xerophthalmia (eyes) and xerostomia (mouth). No cure is known; however, the effects of the disease are manageable and symptoms may be reduced. Although the salivary damage is irreversible, the dental decay and oral infections may be prevented, which highlights the importance that the clinician plays in the diagnosis and management of SS. The cardinal features of this disease are summarized through the case report of primary SS in a 23-year-old woman who received an early diagnosis based on clinical features, laboratory investigations, lower lip biopsy, and imaging findings.

Oral Lichen Sclerosus: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that often affects the anogenital area and causes significant discomfort and morbidity. Oral mucosal lesions in LS are extremely rare and might be associated with genital and/or skin manifestations. As a unique manifestation of LS, oral lesions are even more rare, with only 20 cases reported in English-language literature. In reviewing that literature in this paper, we present the case of a 44-year-old white man who sought dental assistance with a complaint of a white spot on his upper lip. Extraoral clinical examination revealed a slight white macule on the left upper lip vermilion next to the labial commissure. Intraoral examination revealed that the macule was approximately 3.5 × 2.0 cm, extended to the upper left labial mucosa, and presented an ivory-white color. Following an incisional biopsy and microscopy, the lesion was shown to be covered by a stratified squamous epithelium showing hyperkeratosis and atrophy. The superficial lamina propria revealed a well-marked band of subepithelial hyalinization and, below it, a band-like mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate. Sections stained by Verhoeff's technique revealed a scantiness of elastic fibers in the superficial lamina propria. The diagnosis of LS was then established. The patient was referred for dermatologic evaluation, which identified no skin or genital lesions, and no treatment was employed. After 6 years, no significant changes in clinical features were observed. Altogether, this rare case makes an important contribution to knowledge on this uncommon condition.