Gingival neoplasms: a multicenter collaborative study of 888 patients in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the prevalence and clinicopathological features of a large series of gingival neoplasms in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS:  All gingival benign and malignant neoplasms were retrieved from the records of six Oral Pathology Services in Brazil, during a 41-year period. Clinical and demographic data, clinical diagnosis, and histopathological data were collected from the patients' clinical charts. For statistical analysis, the chi-square, median test of independent samples and the U Mann-Whitney tests were used, considering a significance of 5%. RESULTS:  From 100,026 oral lesions, 888 (0.9%) were gingival neoplasms. There were 496 (55.9%) males, with a mean age of 54.2 years. Most cases (70.3%) were malignant neoplasms. Nodules (46.2%) and ulcers (38.9%) were the most common clinical appearance for benign and malignant neoplasms, respectively. Squamous cell carcinoma (55.6%) was the most common gingival neoplasm, followed by squamous cell papilloma (19.6%). In 69 (11.1%) malignant neoplasms, the lesions were clinically considered to be inflammatory or of infectious origin. Malignant neoplasms were more common in older men, appeared with larger size, and with a time of complaint shorter than benign neoplasms (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS:  Benign and malignant tumors may appear as nodules in gingival tissue. In addition, malignant neoplasms, especially squamous cell carcinoma, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of persistent single gingival ulcers.

Ameloblastomas mimicking apical periodontitis: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastomas are benign odontogenic tumors that can eventually mimic the clinical and radiological features of apical periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological and histological characteristics from a series of ameloblastomas mimicking apical periodontitis diagnosed in a 14-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: all cases histologically diagnosed as ameloblastomas from 2005 to 2018 presenting a clinical diagnosis of periapical lesion of endodontic origin were selected for the study. Clinical, radiological and histological characteristics from all cases were tabulated and descriptively and comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty cases composed the final sample, including 18 solid and 2 unicystic ameloblastomas. Mean age of the affected patients was in the fifth decade with predilection for males (72%). The most common anatomical location was the posterior mandible (55%) and most cases presented a radiolucent unilocular (80%) well-defined (95%) image. Most cases were asymptomatic, but the presence of local swelling and bone cortical rupture were common. CONCLUSIONS: Ameloblastomas mimicking periapical lesions of endodontic origin are mostly diagnosed in adult males as well-defined radiolucent unilocular lesions producing local swelling and bone cortical rupture.

Nonendodontic periapical lesions: a retrospective descriptive study in a Brazilian population.

BACKGROUND: Several nonendodontic diseases can occur in the periapical region, resembling endodontic inflammatory conditions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the frequency of nonendodontic periapical lesions diagnosed in a Brazilian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The files of two Oral Pathology laboratories were reviewed and all cases including at least one clinical diagnosis of endodontic periapical lesions were selected for the study. After initial selection, demographic and clinical data, clinical diagnosis and final diagnosis were reviewed and tabulated. Final diagnosis included endodontic periapical lesions, and benign and malignant nonendodontic periapical lesions. Data were descriptively and comparatively analyzed among the three groups, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: Nonendodontic periapical lesions were identified in 208 (19%) out of the 1.125 registries included in the final sample. Benign nonendodontic periapical lesions (200 cases, 18%) were mostly odontogenic keratocysts, ameloblastomas, nasopalatine cysts, dentigerous cysts, glandular odontogenic cysts, and benign fibroosseous lesions. Malignant nonendodontic periapical lesions (8 cases, 1%) included carcinomas, adenocarcinomas, and melanoma. In general, nonendodontic periapical lesions were more common in males and in the posterior mandible (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of nonendodontic periapical lesions was high and, although the general distribution was similar to the results from other populations, some features were probably associated with the profile of the studied populations and to the methods applied in the present study. Knowledge on differential diagnosis of endodontic and nonendodontic periapical lesions is essential to avoid unnecessary treatments and diagnostic delay in routine dental practice.

The pesticides use and the risk for head and neck cancer: A review of case-control studies.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection are the most common risk factors for head and neck cancer (HNC). Despite of this, recent evidences are growing on the association between long-term exposure to pesticides and the risk of chronic diseases, including different types of cancer. The present review evaluated in current literature evidence of an association between exposure to pesticides and the occurrence of HNCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search of the case-control studies was conducted in the PubMed, Web of science and Cochrane databases. Methodological quality of each study was rated with the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN 50) checklist. RESULTS: One thousand and thirty-five studies were identified and twelve met all criteria and, therefore, considered for quality assessment and data extraction. According to SIGN 50 criteria, six studies received an overall high-quality. All the studies considered of high quality found a positive association between exposure to pesticides and different HNC sites, including larynx, pharynx and nasal cavity. In addition, the increased risk was associated with the frequency of exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, improving pesticide users' awareness of their risks and proper handling, as well as adopting protective measures such as the use of personal protective equipment, appear to be effective in reducing human health damage.

Will they fit? Determinants of the adaptability of stock TMJ prostheses where custom TMJ prostheses were utilized.

Currently only two alloplastic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) total joint replacement (TJR) systems are available in the United States. The aim of this study was to define variables that determine whether a Biomet stock prosthesis could have been used to reconstruct a TMJ previously reconstructed with a TMJ Concepts patient-fitted prosthesis. All of the TMJ Concepts prostheses placed between 2010 and 2018 at the University of Texas - Health at San Antonio were analyzed retrospectively. There were 128 cases (241 joints) with intact stereolithographic models analyzed for successful adaptation of the Biomet stock TMJ prosthesis. Anatomical, demographic, etiological, and perioperative data were gathered for each joint to investigate possible causes of failure of stock adaptation. The majority of joints, 74% (178/241), could have had a stock prosthesis adapt. All joints with ≥40mm gap arthroplasty failed stock prosthesis adaptation. Only 50% (32/64) of the joints with at least one previous open TMJ surgery and 60% (58/96) of the joints with concomitant orthognathic surgery could have had a stock TMJ prosthesis. The stock prosthesis could not be adapted for any of the patients requiring TMJ replacement for congenital disorders or those requiring TMJ salvage. Overall, the majority of cases treated with a patient-specific TMJ TJR could have been treated with a stock prosthesis.

Quality of information about oral cancer in Brazilian Portuguese available on Google, Youtube, and Instagram.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the quality of oral cancer information in Brazilian Portuguese on Google, YouTube, and Instagram. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first 100 links of each platform characterized the initial sample. The websites and Instagram were evaluated using the JAMA benchmarks, the Discern instrument, and the Flesch readability index (Flesch Reading Ease). The existence of Health on the Net (HON) code was also registered on websites. The usefulness of each video on YouTube was classified as not useful, slightly useful, moderately useful, or very useful. RESULTS: Thirty-four websites, 39 Instagram posts, and 57 videos were evaluated, of which 18 (33.3%) websites and 19 (48.7%) Instagram posts covered only 2 of the 4 JAMA benchmarks. For the Discern instrument, 20 (37%) and 18 (33.3%) websites exhibited low and moderate reliability, respectively, while 26 (66.7%) Instagram posts were of low confidence. The level of intelligibility of both websites and Instagram was difficult. Only three websites exhibited the HONcode. Forty-one (71.9%) videos on YouTube were moderately useful. CONCLUSIONS: Information on oral cancer on the Internet in Brazilian Portuguese is of low quality. Thus, educational and governmental institutions have a responsibility to produce and indicate reliable sources of information for the population.

Awareness on oral cancer among patients attending dental school clinics in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancer is considered a public health problem worldwide. Dental schools may play an important role in educating patients about oral cancer. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge of patients attending clinics at two dental schools in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From March 2017 to April 2017, 251 patients who were attending clinics at two dental schools in Recife, Brazil, were included in the study. Patients were contacted in the waiting rooms of the clinic. Each participant completed a self-administered questionnaire, which consists of 21 questions, including socio-demographic and specific information on the disease. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and a chi-square test (with a 5% significance level) was used to assess the correlation between the variables, education and family income and other variables. RESULTS: Most participants were women (64.9%) with a mean age of 42.72 years. Most participants were knowledgeable about oral cancer and identified tobacco use (48.6%), alcohol consumption (25.1%), and solar radiation (12%) as the primary risk factors for the disease. Only 36.7% of the participants reported having received counselling on oral cancer, of which 18.3% received the information from a dentist. All patients with an income higher than six minimum wages were aware about oral cancer (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the importance of educational programs in dental schools as well providing integrated services for patients seeking care at school clinics, including population's awareness on oral cancer.

Intraoral lipomas: A clinicopathological study of 43 cases, including four cases of spindle cell/pleomorphic subtype.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe the clinicopathological characteristics of 43 intraoral lipomas and classify them according to their microscopic variants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All the cases of intraoral lipomas diagnosed at an Oral Pathology service were selected for the study. Clinical data, such as age, gender, location, time of evolution, clinical presentation, clinical hypothesis of diagnosis, and treatment, were collected from the clinical files. RESULTS: Of the 43 cases analyzed, 24 (55.8%) occurred in women. The mean age was 77.4 years. The most affected site was the buccal mucosa (22 cases, 51.1%). The mean lesion size was 1.7 cm. Twenty-three cases (53.5%) were classified as simple lipoma, 14 (32.6%) as fibrolipoma, four (9.3%) as spindle cell/pleomorphic lipoma (SC/PL), one (2.3%) as lipoma of the salivary glands, and one (2.3%) as intramuscular lipoma. In one case of SC/PLs, lipoblasts were observed. No atypical lipoblasts or mitoses were noted. Lipoma was considered more often than other tumor histological subtypes among the clinical hypotheses of diagnosis when the final diagnosis was simple lipoma (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoral lipomas present different clinical presentation depending on the histological subtype. In SC/PLs, lipoblasts with vacuolated cytoplasm may be found and the presence of mature adipocytes is essential for diagnosis.

Comparison between percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureteroscopy for the treatment of 2 and 3cm renal lithiasis. / Comparación entre nefrolitotomía percutánea y ureteroscopia flexible para el tratamiento de litiasis renales de entre 2 y 3cm.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: The first-line treatment for >2cm lithiasis is percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), leaving flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) as a second option. In the present review, the stone-free rate and the complications of both techniques were evaluated in the treatment of 2-3cm stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Systematic review of studies that compared both techniques. Studies that were not comparative, as well as those carried out in the pediatric population or with <2cm or>3cm stones, were excluded. Two researchers independently performed the investigation, obtaining 5 studies that made up a total of 815 patients: 252 belonged to the fURS group and 563 to the PNL group. Four studies were retrospective, and one was non-randomized prospective. RESULTS: Stone-free rate ranged between 47.0% and 95.0% for the fURS and between 87.0% and 100% for the PNL. The complication rate was 8.8-29.0% in the fURS and 11.9-27.0% in the PNL. fURS required a greater number of procedures, and had a lower decrease in haemoglobin and creatinine rise compared to PNL. CONCLUSIONS: The stone-free rate was higher for PNL, although the fURS could reach comparable results at the expense of performing several procedures. Both techniques have a similar frequency of complications, but the PNL has more postsurgical analytical alterations.

Comparative analysis of three histologic grading methods for squamous cell carcinoma of the lip.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate three histologic grading methods for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip, the conventional three-grade model proposed by the World Health Organization, tumor budding and depth of invasion (BD) model, and histologic risk assessment (HRA) model, and to correlate them with prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-three patients with lip SCC were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age was 65 years, 69.8% of the participants were men, and 66.0% of the patients had early-stage tumors. Using the BD and conventional three-grade methods, 52.8% and 64.2% of the cases were graded as low risk, respectively. The HRA model graded 54.7% of the cases as medium risk. In the BD model, the higher histologic grade was associated with worse prognosis (P = 0.045). Overall survival at 5 years was 87.8%. Tumor size (T3 + T4) and lymph node involvement (N+) were associated with reduced overall survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (P = 0.002 and 0.005; 0.007 and 0.01, respectively). Surgical treatment combined with radiotherapy was associated with lower RFS (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: High-grade lip SCC in advanced stages is associated with a poor prognosis. The BD model is a simple and effective tool for the prognostic evaluation of lip SCC.

Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor 1 expression in odontogenic cystic lesions.

AIM: To evaluate parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor 1 (PTHR1) expression in odontogenic cystic lesions and to compare immunoexpression between the lesions. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-five radicular cysts, 22 dentigerous cysts and 17 keratocystic odontogenic tumours were evaluated. Immunohistochemical reactions against PHTR1 were carried out in 3-µm histological sections, and the expression and the intensity of PTHR1 expression were evaluated. For statistical analysis, the Fisher exact test was used, with a significance of 5%. RESULTS: The intensity of expression in the epithelial lining was significantly weaker in the radicular cyst (P = 0.007). However, in the fibrous capsule, the radicular cyst presented higher positivity for PTHR1 (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The probable co-expression of PTHrP and PTHR1 in odontogenic cystic lesions may eventually have an autocrine and/or paracrine stimulus in the epithelial and mesenchymal cells, inducing proliferation and lesion growth.

Clinicopathological study and treatment outcomes of 121 cases of ameloblastomas.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and histopathological findings and treatment modalities in all cases of ameloblastomas treated at the Sao Paulo Cancer Hospital, between 1953 and 2003. 121 case reports were retrieved from the medical files. Data were reviewed and statistical analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meyer method and Cox proportional risk model. The patients' age ranged from 2 to 82 years (mean 33.2 years), with a slight female prevalence. Most cases were located in the posterior mandible (80%). Radiographically, 60% showed a multilocular pattern. 113 casees were solid ameloblastomas, and plexiforme subtype was the most common. Solid tumours were treated by wide resection, curettage and criosurgery, or curettage alone, and unicystic tumours by curettage and/or cryotherapy. The global mean recurrence rate was 22%, with a mean follow-up of 9.7 years. The ameloblastomas were predominantly solid, affecting the posterior mandible. Important factors for outcome were radiographically multilocular lesions, the presence of ruptured basal cortical bone and histologically follicular tumours.

Fatty acid synthase expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue: clinicopathological findings.

BACKGROUND: Overexpression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), the cytosolic enzyme responsible for the conversion of dietary carbohydrates to fatty acids, has been reported in several human malignancies and pointed as a potential prognostic marker for some tumors. This study investigated whether FAS immunohistochemical expression is correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical features of 102 patients with OSCC of the tongue treated in a single institution were obtained from the medical records and all histopathological diagnoses were reviewed. The expression of FAS was determined by the standard immunoperoxidase technique in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens and correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of the tumors. RESULTS: Eighty-one cases (79.41%) were positive for FAS. Microscopic characteristics such as histological grade (P < 0.05), lymphatic permeation (P < 0.001), perineural infiltration (P < 0.05), and nodal metastasis (P < 0.02) were associated with FAS status. A significantly lower survival probability for patients with advanced clinical stage (log-rank test, P < 0.001), lymph nodes metastasis (log-rank test, P < 0.001), presence of vascular permeation (log-rank test, P = 0.05), and perineural invasion (log-rank test, P = 0.01) was observed in the studied samples. CONCLUSION: The expression of FAS in OSCC of the tongue is associated with the microscopic characteristics that determine disease progression and prognosis.

Low-energy laser therapy for prevention of oral mucositis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical effects of laser therapy on the prevention and reduction of oral mucositis in patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to September 2004, 24 patients received prophylactic laser therapy (L+ group). The applications started from the beginning of the conditioning regimen up to day +2. The oral assessment was performed daily until day +30. This group was compared with historical controls, namely 25 patients, who did not receive laser therapy (L- group). RESULTS: All patients developed some grade of mucositis. However, the L- group presented initial mucositis by 4.36 days, whereas the L+ group presented it in 6.12 days (P = 0.01). The maximum mucositis occurred between day +2 and day +6 with healing by day +25 in the L- group and between day +2 and day +7 with healing by day +14 for the L+ group (P = 0.84). Laser therapy also reduced the time of oral pain from 5.64 to 2.45 days (P = 0.04), and decreased the consumption of morphine (P = 0.07). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that laser therapy can be useful in oral mucositis to HSCT patients and improve the patient's quality of life. However, controlled randomized trials should be performed to confirm the real efficacy of laser therapy.

Peripheral osteoma of the maxilla: report of a case.

Osteomas are benign osteogenic lesions with very slow growth, which may arise from proliferation of either cancellous or compact bone. In the jaw, these are uncommon lesions. Excluding the maxillary sinus, there are only eight cases of maxillary osteoma reported in the English-language literature. This paper reports an additional case of maxillary osteoma in a 40-year-old man. We discuss the clinical data from the previously described cases and the main differential diagnoses.

Fine needle aspiration cytology as an additional tool in the diagnosis of odontogenic keratocyst.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosis of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), as well as to describe the cytological and immunohistochemical features. METHODS: Eight consecutive patients submitted to FNAC and diagnosed with OKC were included in this study. FNAC was performed using 24-gauge needles attached to a 10-ml syringe, supported by a mechanical-syringe holder to facilitate aspiration. All cases provided a liquid or viscous content for smears that were either air-dried for Diff-Quick staining or immediately fixed in 95% alcohol and stained by the Papanicolaou technique. Incisional biopsies were carried out to confirm the diagnosis. Immunohistochemical reactions against anti-pan-cytokeratin (CK), CK14 and CK19 were performed in 3 microm sections obtained from cell blocks and biopsy specimens. RESULTS: Cytologically many isolated or groups of keratinocytes with normal or ill defined nuclei were seen, besides numerous anucleated squamous cells and keratinous debris. Immunohistochemically, the keratin lamellae were positive for pan-cytokeratin and CK19, but negative for CK14. In biopsy specimens, CK14 expression was restricted to basal cells, while only the superficial cells were positive for CK19. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, FNAC is useful, reliable and safe tool for the preoperative diagnosis of OKC.

Sturge-Weber syndrome in a 6-year-old girl.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a congenital disorder characterized by vascular facial birthmarks and neurological abnormalities. Oral cavity involvement may occur, and the extent of the vascular abnormality may vary considerably. The present authors report the case of a 6-year-old girl with Sturge-Weber syndrome, focusing on the clinical and radiographic features. Her dental management involved a multidisciplinary team and included orthodontic treatment using removable appliances.

Juvenile intraoral pleomorphic adenoma: report of five cases and review of the literature.

The aim of this study is to report on five cases of intraoral pleomorphic adenoma (PA) in patients under 18 years of age and to review the literature. Intraoral salivary gland tumours were reviewed in two Brazilian institutions and five cases of PA in patients under 18 years of age were found. Clinical data were obtained from the medical records and paraffin-embedded tissues were sectioned for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and p53 immunohistochemical analysis. Four patients were female and one was male; two cases affected the palate, two the upper lip and one the tongue. All five patients were treated surgically and after long follow-up periods no recurrences were observed. Tumour cells were weakly positive for PCNA and negative for p53. PA should be considered in the differential diagnosis of submucosal nodules in young patients. In youngsters, PA seems to have similar biological characteristics as in adults, with low recurrence rates after surgical resection.

Quetiapine alone and added to a mood stabilizer for serious mood disorders.

BACKGROUND: Use of antipsychotic medication intermittently or over the long term may be necessary in treating patients with bipolar disorder whose symptoms have responded suboptimally to standard mood-stabilizing agents. Quetiapine fumarate is an effective novel antipsychotic with mixed serotonergic (5-HT2) and dopaminergic (D2) activity. This is an open-label, 12-week prospective study to assess the efficacy and tolerability of quetiapine in the treatment of patients with bipolar and schizoaffective disorder who were suboptimally responsive to mood stabilizers alone. METHOD: Participants in the study were inpatients or outpatients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of bipolar or schizoaffective disorder. Baseline psychopathology was evaluated with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Involuntary movements were rated with the Simpson-Angus Neurologic Rating Scale. Quetiapine was added on an open-label basis and increased to optimum clinical dosage. Psychopathology and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale ratings were repeated weekly for the first 4 weeks and then again at weeks 8 and 12. RESULTS: Ten individuals with bipolar disorder and 10 with schizoaffective disorder received quetiapine therapy. Overall, patients improved, with significant improvement in BPRS (p < .001), YMRS (p = .043), and HAM-D scores (p = .002). Simpson-Angus score also significantly decreased (p = .02). Overall. quetiapine was well tolerated by patients in this group with serious mood disorders. The mean +/- SD quetiapine dose was 202.9 +/- 124.3 mg/day (range, 50-400 mg/day). Mean weight gain was 10.9 lb (4.9 kg). CONCLUSION: Although limited by its small size, open-label design, and relative gender homogeneity, this study suggests that quetiapine therapy may be useful in the treatment of individuals with serious mood disorders who are suboptimally responsive to mood stabilizers alone. These preliminary findings should be explored in larger, controlled trials.