Nuclear changes in tongue epithelial cells following panoramic radiography.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of radiation from panoramic radiographs on the cells of the lateral border of the tongue by evaluating nuclear changes. Forty-two patients were included: 22 had one radiograph (Group I), and 20 required a repeat radiograph due to error in the first exposure (Group II). Material for the cytopathologic evaluation was collected before radiographs and 10 days later. Smears were stained with the Feulgen reaction and micronuclei, buds, broken eggs, karyorrhexis and binucleate cells were scored. The comparison of nuclear changes before and after radiation exposure in both groups revealed a statistically higher number of broken eggs, buds, karyorrhexis and binucleate cells 10 days after exposure (P=0.01). The number of karyorrhexis and binucleate cells was greater in group II (P=0.01). There was no change in the frequency of micronuclei before and after the radiographs. Radiation emitted during panoramic radiographs increased the number of nuclear anomalies (except micronuclei) in exfoliated cells of the lateral border of the tongue. This effect was more pronounced when the patients were exposed to a repeat radiograph, without however implying increased risk of irreversible tissue damage.

Epidermal growth factor receptor distribution in pericoronal follicles: relationship with the origin of odontogenic cysts and tumors.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate the distribution of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in pericoronal follicles as a predictor of progression to odontogenic cysts and tumors. STUDY DESIGN: Immunohistochemical EGFR staining patterns (membrane-only, cytoplasm-only, or combined membrane and cytoplasmic staining) in the reduced enamel epithelium and nests of odontogenic epithelium associated with follicles of impacted molar teeth were evaluated. The staining pattern of 20 specimens of pericoronal follicle was compared with that of 16 normal oral mucosa samples and to squamous cell carcinoma samples. RESULTS: Combined membrane and cytoplasmic staining was observed for normal oral mucosa mostly in proliferating layers (basal and suprabasal), decreasing in intensity toward the surface. Seven epithelial nests presented membrane-only staining, and the majority presented either a cytoplasm-only or a combined staining pattern. The staining patterns observed in reduced enamel epithelium were cytoplasm-only and combined. CONCLUSION: EGFR membrane-only staining may be an indicator of increased potential for epithelial nests to become odontogenic cysts or tumors.

Management of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy.

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy is a rare congenital neoplasm involving the head and neck in young patients. The clinical assessment, histologic diagnosis, and management is reviewed, with an emphasis on different treatment alternatives in two new case reports.