Unwarranted intrusion of odontogenic cyst into the maxillary antrum.

During the early growth phase, every individual is involved in a prolonged series of developmental processes in the maxillofacial region. Formation of cysts associated with such three-dimensional growth of the maxillofacial skeleton as well as deciduous and permanent tooth development. The origin of cystic jaw lesions may be odontogenic or non-odontogenic, developmental, or inflammatory and they are epithelial-lined or non-epithelial-lined cysts in nature. These cysts are considered to be aggressive cysts when they tend to grow rapidly and can cause significant damage to the surrounding bone and tissues if left untreated. Aggressive cystic lesion of the jaw needs special attention in order to prevent recurrences or even worsen and widespread disease. The management of the maxillary sinus requires individualisation based on its clinical and histopathological characteristics. Here, we report a case of an aggressive odontogenic cyst in a 30s-aged female patient in the left maxillary sinus with the literature review.

Self-negligence and awareness among oral precancerous and cancer patients - A cross-sectional questionnaire study.

Background: The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) reports that India has the highest global prevalence of oral cancers. The incidence is significantly more in developing countries when compared to the developed countries. Early detection is key to increasing the survival rate of the patients. Important causes for this late diagnosis could be self-negligence, lack of patient awareness about the causes and asymptomatic and subtle clinical presentation of the lesions. Aim: To assess the causes of self-neglect and awareness levels among oral cancer and pre-cancerous patients. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among pre-cancerous and cancerous patients. Methods and Material: A questionnaire with 16 closed-ended questions was framed relating to the causes of self-neglect and awareness of the patients. A total of 45 patients were selected by convenient sampling technique from the Institutional Tumour Board register of which 62 per cent were male patients and 38 per cent were female patients. Statistical Analysis: Data analysis for demographic data, patients' awareness, and causes of self-neglect about precancer and cancer was done using SPSS Version 10. Results and Conclusions: The present study concluded that the patients had adequate awareness that deleterious habits could lead to cancer but had a low level of awareness about the other causes of cancer, symptoms and management options available to treat cancer. The study result emphasizes that the government should plan for more cancer-screening camps in order to prevent the progression of cancer and to increase the awareness. (Reference I.D.: 2015-05006 for funding the project. ICMR).

Multiple oral ulcers leading to diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

We report a 47 year old man who presented with painful non-healing tongue ulcers of 3 months duration. Examination revealed an additional buccal ulcer that he was unaware of. Histopathology of the ulcers showed caseation necrosis. Following this report, chest radiography and sputum microscopy performed revealed pulmonary tuberculosis. From this case-study, one should be aware of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with chronic non-healing oral ulcers, both for diagnosis as well as prevention of transmission through respiratory droplets.

Dens evaginatus in proximal surface of mandibular premolar: a rare presentation.

Dens evaginatus is a developmental anomaly that is characterized by occurrence of an extra cusp-like structure projecting from the crown portion of the tooth. Unusual extension of enamel has been found in posterior teeth as enamel pearl or as cervical enamel extensions from the cementoenamel junction or at the furcation areas. We hitherto report a case of extra enamel formation from the proximal surface of the crown in a mandibular premolar, a finding that has previously not been reported.