A retrospective study of nonneoplastic and neoplastic disorders of the salivary glands.

The spectrum of major and minor salivary gland disorders varies widely. Epidemiological data on some injury categories are rare and often not up-to-date. This study aims to analyze epidemiological data using clinical, paraclinical, and histopathological parameters. Study was carried out for 5 years on the nonneoplastic and tumoral pathology of the salivary glands. Data were statistically analyzed using the appropriate parameters. Data analysis according to the biological behavior of the lesions revealed great heterogeneity. Statistically significant correlations were observed between the type of injury, age (P = .002) and gender (0.033). The environment of origin of the patients as well as the comorbidities reflected in most cases the nature of the process. Associations were also observed between the biological behavior of the lesions and the hemicranial topography (P = .019), the type of salivary gland (P = .024), and the surgical technique used (P < .001). Most cases were identified in the major salivary glands, often in the parotid. The most common diseases are represented by nonspecific chronic sialadenitis (nonneoplastic lesion), pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin tumor (benign tumors), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (malignant tumor), and squamous carcinoma (secondary tumor). They presented axial diameters between 2 to 95 mm. The most used curative technique was subtotal excision with facial nerve preservation. In conclusion, the study highlighted the main epidemiological aspects of salivary gland disorders. Some data agree with the specialty literature, and particular aspects are also observed. Therefore, this research is useful both in the medical and research fields.

Non-neoplastic salivary gland diseases in children: a 10-year review at a tertiary center.

OBJECTIVES: Non-neoplastic salivary gland diseases are rare in children. This paper aims to present the spectrum of encountered non-neoplastic salivary gland diseases at a tertiary center by describing the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes in this patient population. METHODS: A review of electronic medical records was performed from 2010 until 2020. Relevant data were retrieved and charted according to the type of salivary gland disease. A comparison between diseases was made for demographics, presenting symptoms, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty patients with 11 different non-neoplastic salivary gland diseases were identified. Sialolithiasis was the most prevalent condition (12/50), with 83% localized in the submandibular gland. In contrast to gender, age, and symptoms, the location of pathology was significantly associated with the diagnosis (p < 0.001). In patients with sialolithiasis, a hybrid procedure (combined endoscopy and lithotomy) resulted in 100% resolution of symptoms. For (plunging) ranula, marsupialisation had a relative risk of recurrence of 9.6 compared to (partial) extirpation of the sublingual gland. CONCLUSIONS: Children with salivary gland diseases present with overlapping symptoms, making clinical diagnosis challenging. The present study may aid physicians and specialists in diagnosing the most prevalent conditions in children. Although no gold standards exist for their treatment, hybrid procedures (sialolithiasis) and subglingual gland extirpation (ranula) showed superior results over alternatives.

Rare Diseases of the Salivary Glands and of Facial Nerve. / Seltene Erkrankungen der Speicheldrüsen und des Nervus Facialis.

Salivary gland diseases are rare. In the European Union (EU) a disease is considered to be rare if not more than 5 of 10,000 people are affected by it. According to estimates in Germany are about 4 million people with a rare disease. In the EU are about 30 million people with rare diseases [1]. In the present work most of the described diseases of salivary glands and of the facial nerve fall in this category. They form a very heterogeneous group whose treatment takes place mainly in specialized centers. Still, it is essential for the otolaryngologist to identify and to diagnose these diseases in order to initiate the right therapeutic steps. The work is a compilation of innate andacquired rare salivary gland disorders and of rare facial nerve disorders. The etiologies of inflammatory diseases, autoimmune disorders and tumors are taken into account. For the individual topics, the current literature, if available, was evaluated and turned into summarized facts. In this context the development of new processes, diagnostics, imaging and therapy are considered. Genetic backgrounds of salivary gland tumors and the trends in the treatment of tumorous lesions of the facial nerve are picked up. Furthermore, also rare diseases of the salivary glands in childhood are described. Some of them can occur in adults as well, but differ in frequency and symptoms. Due to the rarity of these diseases, it is recommended to tread these in centers with special expertise for it. Finally, the difficulties of initiation of studies and the problems of establishing disease registries concerning salivary gland disorders are discussed. This is very relevant because these pathologies are comparatively seldom.

Salivary Gland Disorders in Children and Adolescents: A 15-year Experience

Abstract Introduction Diseases of the salivary glands are rare in children and adolescents, with the exception of viral-induced infections. Objective To determine the clinical course of the disease, the diagnostic procedures, the treatment and the outcome of all children and adolescents affected with salivary gland diseases at our clinic over a period of 15 years. Methods A retrospective chart review including a long-term follow-up was conducted among 146 children and adolescents treated for salivary gland disorders from 2002 to 2016. Results Diagnosing acute sialadenitis was easily managed by all doctors regardless of their specialty. The diagnosis of sialolithiasis was rapidly made only by otorhinolar- yngologists, whereas diagnosing juvenile recurrent parotitis imposed difficulties to doctors of all specialties - resulting in a significant delay between the first occurrence of symptoms and the correct diagnosis. The severity-adjusted treatment yielded improve- ments in all cases, and a full recovery of 75% of the cases of sialolithiasis, 73% of the cases of juvenile recurrent parotitis, and 100% of the cases of acute sialadenitis. Conclusions Due to their low prevalence and the lack of pathognomonic symptoms, salivary gland diseases in children and adolescents are often misdiagnosed, resulting in an unneces- sarily long period of suffering despite a favorable outcome following the correct treatment.

Doenças de glândulas salivares: estudo epidemiológico em um serviço de Estomatologia do sul do Brasil / Salivary gland diseases: epidemiological study in a Stomatology service in southern Brazil

Objetivo: realizar um levantamento epidemiológico das doenças de glândulas salivares por meio de análise de prontuários registrados em um serviço de Estomatologia do sul do Brasil. Métodos: a amostra foi composta por aproximadamente 24.000 prontuários de pacientes do Serviço de Estomatologia do Hospital São Lucas, atendidos no período de 1977 a 2017. Foram selecionados os prontuários que apresentassem as seguintes enfermidades de glândulas salivares: mucocele, rânula, sialolitíase, sialoadenite infecciosa, síndrome de Sjögren, sialometaplasia necrosante e neoplasias benignas ou malignas. Os dados coletados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial, utilizando o teste Qui-Quadrado. Resultados: das 817 enfermidades encontradas, 56,2% eram mucoceles, 11,1% sialoadenites infecciosas, 10,3% rânulas, 10,1% sialolitíases, 5,5% neoplasias benignas, 4,3% síndrome de Sjögren, 2,1% neoplasias malignas e 0,4% sialometaplasias necrosantes. O mucocele apresentou predileção pelo sexo masculino, enquanto a rânula e a síndrome de Sjögren foram mais associadas ao sexo feminino. As demais enfermidades não apresentaram predileção por sexo. A localização das lesões, as características clínicas e a idade dos pacientes acometidos foram também avaliadas. Conclusão: as doenças das glândulas salivares merecem destaque entre as enfermidades do sistema estomatognático devido à complexa anatomia dessas estruturas, à importância da saliva na homeostase bucal e ao comportamento clínico indolente das neoplasias malignas que acometem essas glândulas.(AU)

Objective: to perform an epidemiological survey of salivary gland diseases by analyzing medical records from a Stomatology Service in southern Brazil. Methods: the sample consisted of approximately 24,000 medical records of patients assisted at the Stomatology Service of the São Lucas Hospital between 1977 and 2017. The following salivary gland disorders were selected: mucocele, ranula, sialolithiasis, infectious sialadenitis, Sjögren's syndrome, necrotizing sialometaplasia, and benign or malignant neoplasms. The data collected were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using the chi-squared test. Results: from the 817 disorders found, 56.2% were mucocele, 11.1% sialadenitis, 10.3% ranula, 10.1% sialolithiasis, 5.5% benign neoplasms, 4.3% Sjögren's syndrome, 2.1% malignant neoplasms, and 0.4% necrotizing sialometaplasia. Mucocele was more prevalent in men, while ranula and Sjögren's syndrome were more associated with women. The other diseases did not present gender preference. The location of the lesions, clinical characteristics, and age of the patients affected were also assessed. Conclusion: salivary gland diseases deserve special attention among stomatognathic system disorders due to the complex anatomy of such structures, the importance of saliva in the oral homeostasis, and the indolent clinical behavior of the malignant neoplasms affecting these glands.(AU)

[A clinicopathological retrospective epidemiological analysis of benign tumors and tumor-like lesions in the oral and maxillofacial region, diagnosed at the University of Szeged, Department of Oral Medicine (1960-2014)]. / A szegedi Fogászati és Szájsebészeti Klinikán diagnosztizált, az orofacialis régiót érinto jóindulatú daganatok és daganatszeru laesiók klinikopatológiai retrospektív epidemiológiai analízise (1960­2014).

INTRODUCTION: In a clinicopathological retrospective epidemiological study we investigated benign tumors and tumor-like lesions located in the orofacial region, diagnosed at the Universiy of Szeged, Department of Oral Medicine. METHOD: During a 54-year period (1960-2014), 14 661 biopsies were taken. The included subjects were 7491 patients diagnosed with benign tumors and tumor-like lesions. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 55.3 years, 2823 (37.7%) patients were male and 4668 (62.3%) female. The male : female ratio was 1 : 1.65. Most of the patients included in the study were aged 51-60 (1280, 17.1%). The number of children was 1014 (13.6%) and the number of adults was 6477 (86.3%). The number of non-neoplasms was 6420 (85.7%), being significantly higher than the number of neoplasms (1071, 14.3%). Most of the lesions were of mesenchymal origin (5574, 77.4%); the number of lesions of non-mesenchymal origin was 982 (13.1%). The most prevalent type of lesions was traumatic fibroma (fibrosis): 1806 (32.4%). The most common lesion type in the group of lesions of infectious/inflammational origin was pyogenic granuloma, the number of which was 465 (8.3%). The most common cystic lesion was mucocele (805, 10.7%). Hemangioma was the most frequent lesion type among developmental anomalies with the number of 815 (14.6%). The most common location of the lesions was the lip in 2081 cases (27.8%), followed by the gingiva in 2024 cases (27.0%), bucca in 1069 cases (14.3%), tongue in 981 cases (13.1%), and the facial skin in 695 cases (9.3%). After taking biopsy, the majority of benign lesions were treated with cryo-, laser-, or combined (cryo and laser) surgery. CONCLUSION: The present computer-aided study showed that irritational fibroma was the most common orofacial benign tumor, and the lip was the most frequent location. The diagnostic classification and the methodology are considerably different in the majority of the studies, which may hinder the exact comparison with other surveys from different regions of the world. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(37): 1516-1524.

Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in the maxillofacial region detected by cone beam CT.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans with different fields of view (FOV) and to assess its relation with the clinical relevance of the CBCT findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One thousand CBCT scans were grouped according to FOV's size and region scanned (MX-FOV, maxilla; MD-FOV, mandible; and MM-FOV, maxilla/mandible) and evaluated for the presence of soft tissue calcifications. Laterality and length of the elongated styloid processes (ESP) were also assessed. RESULTS: Eight hundred and eighty-two soft tissue calcifications were detected in 626 (62.6%) patients. MM-FOV presented the highest prevalence (76.8%), followed by MD-FOV (60.6%) and MX-FOV (57.2%). ESP and tonsillolith were the most frequent calcifications. Calcifications requiring treatment or not and those in need of follow-up accounted for 6.9%, 92.7%, and 0.3% of cases, respectively. There was no association between calcifications and subjects' gender or age (p > .05). Most cases of ESP occurred bilaterally and were longer in males (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in CBCT, and ESP and tonsilloliths are the most common types in all evaluated FOVs. While most cases do not require treatment, we emphasize the importance of detailed CBCT assessment for its diagnosis.

Salivary duct stenosis: diagnosis and treatment.

The management of stenoses of the major salivary glands had undergone a significant change during the last 15-20 years. Accurate diagnosis forms the basis of adapted minimal invasive therapy. Conventional sialography and MR-sialography are useful examination tools, and ultrasound seems to be a first-line investigational tool if salivary duct stenosis is suspected as cause of gland obstruction. Sialendoscopy is the best choice to establish final diagnosis and characterise the stenosis in order to plan accurate treatment. In all major salivary glands, inflammatory stenosis can be distinguished from fibrotic stenosis. In the parotid duct system, an additional stenosis associated with various abnormalities of the duct system has been reported. Conservative therapy is not sufficient in the majority of cases. The development of a minimally invasive treatment regime, in which sialendoscopy plays a major role, has made the preservation of the gland and its function possible in over 90% of cases. Ductal incision procedures are the most important measure in submandibular duct stenoses, but sialendoscopy becomes more important in the more centrally located stenoses. Sialendoscopic controlled opening and dilation is the dominating method in parotid duct stenoses. In 10-15% of cases, success can be achieved after a combined treatment regime had been applied. This review article aims to give an overview on the epidemiology, diagnostics and current state of the art of the treatment of salivary duct stenoses.

Biomarkers in Autoimmune Salivary Gland Disorders: A Review.

Salivary glands are frequent sites of manifestations of autoimmune disorders in the head and neck. Sjögren syndrome, sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and IgG4-related sialadenitis represent the most important autoimmune salivary gland disorders. Due to the lack of specific symptoms, diagnosis of these conditions remains a challenge. Diagnosis is usually based on classification criteria involving clinical tests, histopathological evaluation, and serological examinations. Depending on the disease, biomarkers are of different value and have to be interpreted carefully. In Sjögren syndrome, antibodies against Ro/SS-A and La/SS-B are essential and part of established classification criteria. In sarcoidosis, biomarkers such as angiotensin-converting enzyme, serum amyloid A, adenosine deaminase, and soluble interleukin-2 receptor are not suitable to confirm a diagnosis due to low sensitivity and specificity, but allow a differentiation between active and inactive disease. In patients with suspected granulomatosis with polyangiitis, positivity for anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) allows a diagnosis without histopathological confirmation in selected cases. In the head and neck, limited manifestations are common, in which less patients are positive for ANCA and histopathological confirmation is required. Diagnosis of IgG4-related sialadenitis solely based on elevated IgG4 serum levels is not possible. The concentration of blood plasmablasts is reported to have a higher diagnostic value.

Is baseline aerobic fitness associated with illness and attrition rate in military training?

BACKGROUND: Respiratory illnesses are a leading cause of morbidity and medical discharge in the military. This study aimed to investigate the effects of baseline aerobic fitness on haematological, salivary and mood variables, and simultaneously, in a novel approach, to identify factors precipitating illness and attrition rate in recruits during military training. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy male recruits from an Army Training Regiment undertaking 12 weeks of training were prospectively investigated. Their 2.4 km run time (RT) was used as a surrogate of baseline aerobic fitness. Saliva and venous blood samples were analysed for secretory IgA, full blood counts and cell cytokine production (interleukin (IL) 6 and IL-8), respectively. Each recruit completed questionnaires on mood profile, and gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract symptoms (URTS). RESULTS: Significant salivary and haematological perturbations were observed and coincided with increased duration of URTS/week and mood disturbance over this military training period. From Start to End: leucocyte count decreased by 28% (p<0.001); neutrophil percentage (%) decreased by 13% (p<0.01); lymphocyte % increased by 17% (p<0.05); the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio decreased by 22% (p<0.01); eosinophil% increased by 71% (p<0.01). From Start to Mid to End: monocyte% increased by 68% at Mid (p<0.01) but only by 30% at End (p<0.01); IL-6 increased by 39% at Mid (p<0.01) and a further 61% by End. The 2.4 km RT was significantly associated with URTS duration (p<0.01). In addition, a 1-min increase in 2.4 km RT increased a recruit's risk 9.8-fold of developing URTS lasting, on average, 3.36 days/week. In recruits ranked with high-URTS duration their RT was 48 s slower (p<0.01) than those with low-URTS, and their attrition rate reached 45%. CONCLUSIONS: The least fit recruits may have found training more physically demanding as reflected in the higher URTS duration, which may have led to a high attrition rate from the Army. It is worth considering that baseline aerobic fitness might be an important factor in illness development and attrition rate in recruits during this type of military training.

Distribution of oral and maxillofacial lesions in pediatric patients from a Brazilian southeastern population.

OBJECTIVES: Oral lesions affecting infants account for approximately 10% of all samples from diagnostic services and studies investigating the distribution of these lesions in pediatrics from different geographic areas are desired to improve the diagnostic knowledge of clinicians. Therefore, the aim of this study is to describe the distribution of oral lesions in a southeastern Brazilian population. METHODS: The oral pathology files of the University of Campinas was retrospectively reviewed for all cases diagnosed from 2000 to 2014 affecting patients 16-years-old and younger. Data on gender and diagnosis were retrieved from patients' oral pathology reports and included in a Microsoft Excel® database. RESULTS: Out of 34,138 cases, 2539 affected pediatric patients (7.4%) with a higher incidence in those with 13-16 years-old. Salivary gland disease was the most common group of lesions (37.1%), followed by mucosal pathology (13.6%) and odontogenic cysts (11.3%). Mucous extravasation cyst was the most common lesion (36.3%), followed by fibrous hyperplasia (5.6%) and dental follicle (5.2%). Dental lesions were uncommon (7.9%) and malignancies rare (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results were similar to previous studies and the small differences observed were more likely result of methodological variability and characteristics of the service of origin from where samples were collected.

Epidemiological survey of mucus extravasation phenomenon at an oral pathology referral center during a 43 year period / Levantamento epidemiológico de fenômeno de extravasamento de muco de um centro de referência em patologia oral por um período de 43 anos

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Mucoceles are common benign pseudocystic lesions of the oral cavity; their main etiological factors are trauma and ductal obstruction. Two histological patterns are found: mucus retention phenomenon (MRP) and mucus extravasation phenomenon (MEP). Mucus extravasation phenomenon is the more common histological subtype and it mainly affects the lower lip. The knowledge of its main clinical features and management is important to assist health professionals in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relative frequency and distribution of oral mucoceles in an oral pathology reference center. METHODS: Cross-sectional historical study that analyzed all cases pathologically diagnosed as mucus extravasation phenomenon by the department of anatomic pathology of an oral pathology referral center from June of 1970 to May of 2014, considering the clinical characteristics of the lesion and those relating to the patient. SPSS v. 20.0 software for Windows was used for descriptive analysis. RESULTS: During 43 years, 719 cases of mucus extravasation phenomenon (54.7% men and 45.3% women) were registered, with the lower lip as the most commonly affected site (n = 484; 67.3%). The average age of patients was 20.8 years (SD ± 14.4) with a peak occurrence in the second decade of life. Most professionals had oral mucocele/ranula (n = 606; 84.3%) as the initial clinical impression. CONCLUSION: Mucus extravasation phenomenon is a lesion that primarily affects young patients, affecting mainly the lower lip, and is commonly found in oral diagnostic services.

Resumo Introdução: Mucoceles são lesões pseudocísticas benignas comuns da cavidade oral, que possuem como principais fatores etiológicos trauma ou obstrução ductal. Dois padrões histopatológicos são encontrados: fenômeno de retenção de muco (FRM) e fenômeno de extravasamento de muco (FEM). O FEM é o subtipo histológico mais comum e tem como principal local de acometimento o lábio inferior. O conhecimento acerca de suas principais características clínicas e formas de tratamento se faz importante para auxiliar profissionais da saúde na prática clínica. Objetivo: Este trabalho objetivou determinar a frequência relativa e a distribuição das mucoceles orais em um centro de referência em patologia oral. Método: Estudo transversal de caráter histórico, no qual foram analisados os casos diagnosticados histopatologicamente como FEM pelo serviço de anatomia patológica de um centro de referência em patologia oral no período de junho de 1970 a maio de 2014, considerando-se variáveis clínicas da lesão e relativas ao paciente. O programa estatístico SPSS 20.0 for Windows foi utilizado para a análise descritiva dos dados. Resultados: Durante 43 anos foram observados 719 casos de FEM (54,7% homens e 45,3% mulheres), sendo o lábio inferior (n = 484; 67,3%) o local de principal acometimento. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 20,8 anos (DP ± 14,4), com pico de ocorrência na segunda década de vida. A maioria dos profissionais teve mucocele oral/rânula (n = 606; 84,3%) como primeira hipótese clínica. Conclusão: O FEM é uma lesão que afeta principalmente pacientes jovens, acometendo preferencialmente o lábio inferior, sendo comumente encontrada nos serviços de diagnóstico oral.

Why do geriatric patients visit otorhinolaryngology?

The number and proportion of people more than 65 years old in the population are increasing with the rise in life expectancy. This study was designed to investigate the otolarygologic needs and visits of geriatric patients. We conducted a retrospective study that included all patients ≥65 years of age who visited the otolaryngology department between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. during 1 year. Age, gender, main complaint, and clinical diagnosis were noted on a chart and analyzed. In 2012, a total of 19,875 patients attended the otolaryngology department between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., of whom 418 (2.1%) were aged ≥65 years. The most common complaints were ear and hearing disorders (24.2%), epistaxis(15.3%), balance disorders (15.1%), pharyngotonsillar pathologies (14.8%), and head and facial trauma (9.6%). This study shows that the changing patient population will change the type and frequencies of pathologies seen in general otolaryngology practices. Geriatric patients need a targeted approach to their diseases because they have special issues unique to their population.

Epidemiological survey of mucus extravasation phenomenon at an oral pathology referral center during a 43 year period.

INTRODUCTION: Mucoceles are common benign pseudocystic lesions of the oral cavity; their main etiological factors are trauma and ductal obstruction. Two histological patterns are found: mucus retention phenomenon (MRP) and mucus extravasation phenomenon (MEP). Mucus extravasation phenomenon is the more common histological subtype and it mainly affects the lower lip. The knowledge of its main clinical features and management is important to assist health professionals in clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relative frequency and distribution of oral mucoceles in an oral pathology reference center. METHODS: Cross-sectional historical study that analyzed all cases pathologically diagnosed as mucus extravasation phenomenon by the department of anatomic pathology of an oral pathology referral center from June of 1970 to May of 2014, considering the clinical characteristics of the lesion and those relating to the patient. SPSS v. 20.0 software for Windows was used for descriptive analysis. RESULTS: During 43 years, 719 cases of mucus extravasation phenomenon (54.7% men and 45.3% women) were registered, with the lower lip as the most commonly affected site (n=484; 67.3%). The average age of patients was 20.8 years (SD±14.4) with a peak occurrence in the second decade of life. Most professionals had oral mucocele/ranula (n=606; 84.3%) as the initial clinical impression. CONCLUSION: Mucus extravasation phenomenon is a lesion that primarily affects young patients, affecting mainly the lower lip, and is commonly found in oral diagnostic services.

Oral and maxillofacial pathology submitted to Rizgary Teaching Hospital: a 6-year retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of surveys concerning oral pathology accessions have focused on specific pathological categories or particular age groups, and few studies have analysed the whole range of specimens submitted for histopathological examination. An analysis of all oral pathology submitted to the Department of Histopathology in Rizgary Teaching Hospital in Erbil, Iraq, during the 6-year period 2008-2013, was performed. METHODS: Histopathology samples (excluding smears) from the maxillae, mandible, salivary glands, the lips and oral mucosa, the tongue, the hard and soft palate and uvula, and the pillars of the fauces were included. The specimens were grouped into six diagnostic categories: oral mucosal and skin pathology; benign neoplasms; malignant neoplasms; non-neoplastic salivary gland disorders; cysts; and miscellaneous pathology. RESULTS: The total number of oral and maxillofacial specimens was 616 of 20,571 specimens. One-third of the oral and maxillofacial specimens were in the mucosal and skin pathology category, followed by benign neoplasms (24.2%) - of which 26.8% were odontogenic tumours and 42.6% were salivary gland tumours - and malignant neoplasms (n = 100, 16.2%). Neoplastic (n = 62) and non-neoplastic (n = 41) salivary gland disorders accounted for 16.7% (n = 103) of the specimens submitted, whereas odontogenic cysts (n = 34) and tumours (n = 40) comprised 5.5% and 6.5% of all biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: Many of our findings are consistent with those reported in the literature. However, a relatively larger proportion of neoplastic lesions were found in our cohort and in other Iraqi centres. Of concern to practising clinicians in Iraq is that one in 10 biopsies submitted was a squamous cell carcinoma and three in 20 accessions were malignant.

[Plunging ranula. Review]. / Ranulas à expression cervicale. Mise au point.

INTRODUCTION: Ranula is a pseudocyst of the sublingual gland, often of unknown etiology. In few cases, it can extend to the neck when passing through the mylohyoid muscle. Diagnosis is not always easy as other cervical cystic lesions may have the same clinical aspect. Some ranulas recur after removal. The aim of our study was to conduct a review about plunging ranulas, with a focus on the most useful paraclinical exams and the most effective treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature has been conducted in the PubMed database between 2015 and 2010 using following keywords: plunging ranula, recurrent plunging ranula. RESULTS: Thirteen articles reporting 37 cases of plunging ranulas have been selected. Among these cases, 3 recurred. Paraclinical exams consisted in US, CT scan and MRI. Main reported treatment was sublingual gland removal, sometime associated with marsupialization. DISCUSSION: The most useful paraclinical exam is CT scan. Total sublingual gland removal is the most efficient treatment.

[Prevalence of granulomatous lesions in minor salivary gland biopsy in a case series of 65 patients with tuberculosis]. / Étude de la prévalence des granulomes à la biopsie des glandes salivaires accessoires chez 65 patients atteints de tuberculose.

PURPOSE: The distinction between tuberculosis (TB), a worldwide infectious granulomatosis requiring specific antibiotic therapy, and sarcoidosis, a rare granulomatous disease that may require corticosteroids is not straightforward and may result in diagnostic and therapeutic delay. METHODS: We prospectively and consecutively evaluated the presence of epithelioid granulomas in minor salivary gland biopsy of 65 consecutive patients with TB. RESULTS: In our study, 10.8 % of our TB patients had epithelioid granulomas without caseous necrosis identified in their minor salivary gland biopsy, regardless of the location of TB, HIV status and whether or not the sputum examination was positive for tuberculous bacilli. CONCLUSION: The presence of epithelioid granulomas in minor salivary gland biopsy may not be helpful to the clinician to rule out TB in a patient with suspected sarcoidosis.

Does access to general dental treatment affect the number and complexity of patients presenting to the acute hospital service with severe dentofacial infections?

AIM: This is a retrospective study to review the treatment and management of patients presenting with odontogenic infections in a large urban teaching hospital over a four-year period, comparing the number and complexity of odontogenic infections presenting to an acute general hospital in two periods, as follows: Group A (January 2008 to March 2010) versus Group B (April 2010 to December 2011). The background to the study is 'An alteration in patient access to primary dental care instituted by the Department of Health in April 2010'. OBJECTIVES: a) to identify any alteration in the pattern and complexity of patients' presentation with odontogenic infections following recent changes in access to treatment via the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) and the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme (DTBS) in April 2010; and, b) to evaluate the management of severe odontogenic infections. METHOD: Data was collated by a combination of a comprehensive chart review and electronic patient record analysis based on the primary discharge diagnosis as recorded in the Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) system. RESULTS: Fifty patients were admitted to the National Maxillofacial Unit, St James's Hospital, under the oral and maxillofacial service over a four-year period, with an odontogenic infection as the primary diagnosis. There was an increased number of patients presenting with odontogenic infections during Group B of the study. These patients showed an increased complexity and severity of infection. Although there was an upward trend in the numbers and complexity of infections, this trending did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The primary cause of infection was dental caries in all patients. Dental caries is a preventable and treatable disease. Increased resources should be made available to support access to dental care, and thereby lessen the potential for the morbidity and mortality associated with serious odontogenic infections. The study at present continues as a prospective study.

Spectrum of Salivary Gland Lesions in a Tertiary Level Hospital.

Salivary gland tumors are relatively infrequent and account for less than 2% of all human tumors. This study was conducted to see the prevalence of patterns of non neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of salivary glands in greater Mymensingh. It was a retrospective study carried out in the department of Pathology, Community Based Medical College Bangladesh from January 2010 to December 2012. Heamatoxylin and eosin stained sections were studied in all cases. Total 98 cases of salivary gland lesions were retrieved and evaluated. Out of them 55 cases were female and 43 were male. Mean age of the cases were 42 years. Among the salivary gland lesions non-neoplastic lesions 24.48% and neoplastic lesions 75.51%. Among neoplastic lesions benign tumor comprises 91.89% and malignant tumor comprises 8.10%.

Epstein-Barr virus in the enlarged salivary tissues of patients with IgG4-related disease.

OBJECTIVE: Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a recently recognized disease entity characterized by high-serum IgG4 concentration and IgG4-producing plasma cell production with fibrotic or sclerotic changes in affected organs. We aimed to clarify the roles of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in patients with IgG4-RDs. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective clinical study at the Yamagata University School of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan. METHODS: The patient group consisted of four males and four females with an average age of 62 years (range: 48-73). Expression of IgG4, latent member protein 1, EBV nuclear antigens-2, and EBV-encoded RNA in affected salivary glands from patients with IgG4-RD was examined by using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The copy number of EBV DNA in the salivary glands was also investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All patients had hard masses in the salivary or lacrimal glands, or both, bilaterally. Serum concentrations of IgG4 were elevated in all cases (mean 589.1, range 129-1750), and IgG4-positive plasmacytes were observed in the involved salivary glands. Four patients developed potentially life-threatening systemic involvement after initial salivary gland swelling. EBV-associated molecules (EBNA and EBER) were overexpressed in the affected salivary glands. The copy number of EBV DNA was significantly higher in patients with potentially life-threatening systemic involvement than in patients without systemic involvement (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the copy number of EBV DNA could be useful as diagnostic findings in IgG4-RD to predict potentially life-threatening systemic involvement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.