An unsuspected ameloblastoma in the subpontic region of the mandible with consideration of pathogenesis from the radiographic course.

The purpose of this report is to document a case of unsuspected ameloblastoma involving the right man dibular subpontic region in a 38-year-old Cambodian female patient. This lesion was purportedly preceded by multiple radiolucencies which were diagnosed as radicular cysts and treated a few times in the past years by enucleation followed by endodontic therapy of the affected teeth. Bridgework restoration of the partially edentulous area was performed. This case report demonstrates radiographic changes that occurred in the periods before and after the diagnosis of ameloblastoma. The case may represent an example of radicular cysts and ameloblastoma occurring as a collision phenomenon, or the ameloblastoma may have arisen as a result of neoplastic transformation of the lining epithelium in an inflammatory odontogenic epithelial cyst.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral mucosa in Malaysia--any change?

The prevalence rate of 749 cases of oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) recorded between 1978-1984 was studied. Results showed that the Indians formed the dominant group (63.8%) followed by the Malays (19.6%) and Chinese (16.6%). The peak incidences were generally located between the sixth and eighth decades. Only in the Chinese group a male preponderance was noted. In the Indians, the buccal mucosa was the most prevalent site; in the Malays and Chinese males, the gingiva and alveolus; and the Chinese female, the tongue. In all three groups, the well-differentiated SCC was the commonest type and the poorly differentiated least common.

Oral candidiasis--its pleomorphic clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment.

Up to 60% of the population carry Candida albicans as part of the oral flora without having evidence of candidiasis. The pleomorphic clinical manifestations of oral candidiasis viz. thrush, denture stomatitis, angular cheilitis, median rhomboid glossitis, speckled leukoplakia, and chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and its variants are briefly discussed. Current diagnostic techniques of oral candidiasis (OC) are reviewed. A simple and quick method of helping the clinician in the diagnosis of OC by taking a direct smear of the lesion is emphasized. OC is a 'disease of the diseased'. As a routine a full blood picture, serum iron and serum folate levels should be looked at. Several predisposing causes of OC need to be investigated. An up-date on the treatment of OC with nystatin, amphotericin B lozenges, clotrimazole and miconazole is made.