The Importance of Histopathological Examination to the Final Diagnosis of Peripheral Odontogenic Tumors: A Case Report of a Peripheral Odontoma.

A 30-year-old Caucasian man presented with an 18-month history of an asymptomatic calcified mass, located on the buccal side of the alveolar ridge. Medical records did not present any underlying conditions. On intraoral examination, the lesion was located on the right side of the maxilla, showing mucosal fenestration with mineralized tissue measuring approximately 1 cm in diameter. Radiographic examination showed multiple radiopaque masses. Incisional biopsy was performed, and histological analysis revealed a presence of enamel matrix, dentin, and cementum, resembling tooth-like structures. Surgical removal was offered after the diagnostic confirmation of peripheral odontoma, but the patient refused because of the asymptomatic nature of the lesion.

Regression of human immunodeficiency virus-associated oral Kaposi sarcoma with combined antiretroviral therapy: A case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most prevalent malignant neoplasia in human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) patients for which the primary mode of management was chemotherapy. METHODS: We have presented the case of a newly diagnosed HIV+ male patient who was diagnosed with a pedunculated nodule in the anterior region of the hard palate, measuring 3.5 cm in diameter and with 2 months of evolution. RESULTS: Histopathological examination confirmed the clinical hypothesis of KS. Soon after the diagnosis, the patient started using combined antiretroviral therapy (Biovir and Kaletra), presenting a significant reduction of the lesion after 4 weeks. With 1.5 cm in diameter, the lesion was surgically removed. The patient was followed-up for 10 years without any recurrence. CONCLUSION: In antiretroviral-naive patients with a well-preserved immune system, the use of cART may be efficient in reducing the progression of the KS lesions, thus avoiding the use of chemotherapeutic agents.

Fatal hepatocellular carcinoma presenting with oral metastasis in a patient with synchronic primary malignancies of prostate and liver.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of liver cancer and its occurrence in the oral cavity as a metastatic neoplasm is a rare event. We describe a fatal case of HCC with oral metastasis in a patient firstly diagnosed with prostatic and hepatic carcinomas. The histopathological examination revealed a hepatocyte-like tumour cells arranged in organoid structures as well as positivity to cytokeratin 8 and Hep Par 1. The present findings highlight the importance of a complete medical evaluation of the patient to identify possible oral repercussions of primary diseases.

Changes in cortical bone channels network and osteocyte organization after the use of zoledronic acid

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the cortical bone channels network (CBCN) and osteocyte organization in relation to the bone channels. Materials and methods Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into control (CG) and test groups (TG). Twelve animals from TG received 3 ZA doses (7.5 µg/kg), and 6 animals from CG did not receive any medication. TG animals were euthanized at 14 (n = 6) and 75 (n = 6) dadys after drug injection. CBCN was analyzed in mandibles and tibias using computational routines. The osteocyte organization was qualitatively evaluated in tibias using a three-dimensional reconstruction of images from serial histological sections. Results Significant differences in CBCN of tibia were found between the treated and untreated rats, with a wider range of sizes and shapes of the channels after the use of ZA (channels area p = 0.0063, channels area SD p = 0.0276) and less bone matrix (bone volume p = 0.0388). The alterations in the channels’ morphology were more evident at 75 days after the drug injection (channels perimeter p = 0.0286). No differences were found in mandibles CBCN. The osteocyte distribution revealed more variable patterns of cell distribution in ZA groups, with non-homogeneous distribution of cells in relation to the bone channels. Conclusion Zoledronic acid induces structural changes in CBCN and modifies the osteocyte arrangement in cortical bone in the tibia; also, the variability in the morphology of bone channels became more evident after a certain time of the use of the drug.

Changes in cortical bone channels network and osteocyte organization after the use of zoledronic acid.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of zoledronic acid (ZA) on the cortical bone channels network (CBCN) and osteocyte organization in relation to the bone channels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen male Wistar rats were divided into control (CG) and test groups (TG). Twelve animals from TG received 3 ZA doses (7.5 µg/kg), and 6 animals from CG did not receive any medication. TG animals were euthanized at 14 (n = 6) and 75 (n = 6) dadys after drug injection. CBCN was analyzed in mandibles and tibias using computational routines. The osteocyte organization was qualitatively evaluated in tibias using a three-dimensional reconstruction of images from serial histological sections. RESULTS: Significant differences in CBCN of tibia were found between the treated and untreated rats, with a wider range of sizes and shapes of the channels after the use of ZA (channels area p = 0.0063, channels area SD p = 0.0276) and less bone matrix (bone volume p = 0.0388). The alterations in the channels' morphology were more evident at 75 days after the drug injection (channels perimeter p = 0.0286). No differences were found in mandibles CBCN. The osteocyte distribution revealed more variable patterns of cell distribution in ZA groups, with non-homogeneous distribution of cells in relation to the bone channels. CONCLUSION: Zoledronic acid induces structural changes in CBCN and modifies the osteocyte arrangement in cortical bone in the tibia; also, the variability in the morphology of bone channels became more evident after a certain time of the use of the drug.

A review of oral toxicity associated with mTOR inhibitor therapy in cancer patients.

Aphthous-like stomatitis has been identified as one of the most common dose-limiting toxicities associated with mTOR inhibitor therapy in cancer patients. The objective of this study was to summarize the cumulative oral toxicities associated with mTOR inhibitors in published oncology trials with respect to dose, schedule, and need for dose modifications. A review of all oncology-related clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors was conducted and standardized data was abstracted from each study. 44 studies were included in the analysis with a total of 2822 patients treated with temsirolimus (19 studies), everolimus (20 studies), and ridaforolimus (five studies) for a wide range of malignancies. At least one adverse event (AE) occurred in 74.4% of patients. Mucositis was the most frequent AE overall (73.4%), the third most frequent severe AE (20.7%), accounting for 27.3% dose reductions and 13.1% of discontinuations, and the most frequent dose limiting toxicity (52.5%). Mucositis typically occurred during the first cycle of therapy and was graded as mild to moderate in approximately 90% of the patients; severe mucositis generally occurred at higher doses. There were no clear differences in mucositis among the three agents and in most cases lesions resolved spontaneously. Oral mucositis is a frequent complication of mTOR inhibitor therapy and a significant cause of dose reductions and discontinuations in oncology trials. Prevention and management strategies should be investigated to improve tolerability and better permit effective long-term regimens.

Análise histológica e histomorfométrica da osseointegração de implantes de titânio inseridos na tíbia de ratos Wistar induzidos por ácido zoledrônico e dexametasona / Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of the osseointegration of endosseous implants placed on the tibiae of Wistar rats treated with zoledronic acid and dexamethasone

A terapia com bisfosfonatos tem sido frequentemente empregada no tratamento de doenças metabólicas do osso e neoplasias malignas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar através de análise histológica e histomorfométrica em cortes não descalcificados, a influência dos bisfosfonatos nitrogenados endovenosos associados ou não a dexametasona sobre a osseointegração de implantes instalados em tíbias de 27 ratos Wistar. Ácido zoledrônico e dexametasona foram administrados por via subcutânea nos animais dos grupos experimentais. Os animais foram acompanhados por 7, 14 e 28 dias. Nossos resultados mostraram que não houve falha na osseointegração em nenhum animal avaliado e que não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre os 3 grupos com relação à quantidade de contato entre osso e implante e presença de osso em áreas pré determinadas, nos tempos observados. No entanto nossas observações histológicas revelaram que nos animais tratados com bisfosfonatos associados ou não com dexametasona, aos 14 e 28 dias após a colocação do implante não ocorreu o fenômeno de remodelação da cortical óssea, ao contrário do grupo controle. Concluímos que a terapia com bisfosfonatos associada ou não com dexametasona não impediu a osseointegração do implante com o osso mas inibiu severamente a remodelação da cortical óssea pré existente.

Bisphosphonate therapy has been often employed in the treatment of metabolic bone diseases and malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate through histological and histomorphometric analysis the influence of intravenous nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates alone or combined with dexamethasone on the osseointegration of implants placed in the tibia of 27 male Wistar rats in non decalcified samples. Zoledronic acid and dexamethasone were administered through sub cutaneous injections. The animals were followed through 7, 14, and 28 days. Our results showed that there was no failure in osseointegration in any animal, and that there were no statistically significant differences among the 3 groups regarding the amount of bone-implant contact and peri-implant bone density in predetermined areas. However our histological observations revealed that animals treated with bisphosphonates, associated or not with dexamethasone, at 14 and 28 days after implant placement has not occurred the phenomenon of cortical bone remodeling, unlike control group. We conclude that bisphosphonate therapy associated or not with dexamethasone did not prevent osseointegration of the implants but severely inhibited the remodeling of pre-existing cortical bone.

Osteonecrose maxilofacial induzida por bisfosfonatos em indivíduos com osteoporose / Bisphosphonate-induced maxillofacial osteonecrosis in osteoporotic individuals

Osteonecrose dos maxilares relacionada aos bisfosfonatos pode ser uma complicação importante do tratamento da osteoporose a longo prazo. A possibilidade de osteonecrose dos maxilares em pacientes expostos a bisfosfonatos nitrogenados foi descrita pela primeira vez em 2003. Desde então, relatos de casos e estudos retrospectivos demonstraram maiores percentuais de ocorrência de osteonecrose em pacientes que fizeram ou fazem uso de bisfosfonatos. Embora esta complicação possa ser espontânea, os procedimentos invasivos orais têm um papel como fatores de risco associados aos procedimentos odontológicos, tais como as extrações dentárias e cirurgias de outros ossos. Além disso, infecções dentárias e doença periodontal são relatadas como principais fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de osteonecrose dos maxilares induzida por bisfosfonatos. Por isso, dentistas, clínicos gerais, ortopedistas, geriatras e cirurgiões bucomaxilofaciais precisam estar cientes do problema e trabalhar em um ambiente multidisciplinar, incentivando o diagnóstico precoce e a prevenção de novos casos potenciais.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the maxillae may be an important complication of long-term osteoporosis treatment. The possibility of osteonecrosis of the maxillae in patients exposed to nitrogenated bisphosphonates was first described in 2003. Since then, case reports and retrospective studies have demonstrated higher percentages of occurrence of osteonecrosis in patients who have used or are using bisphosphonates. Although this complication may be spontaneous, invasive oral procedures have a role as risk factors associated with dental procedures such as tooth extractions and other bone operations. In addition, tooth infections and periodontal disease have been reported to be the main risk factors for development of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the maxillae. For this reason, dentists, general clinicians, orthopedists, geriatricians and oral-maxillofacial surgeons need to be aware of this problem and work in a multidisciplinary environment, thereby stimulating early diagnosis and prevention of further potential cases.

Clinical presentation and management of mTOR inhibitor-associated stomatitis.

Anti-cancer agents that inhibit the mTOR pathway are associated with a number of unique toxicities, with one of the most significant and potentially dose-limiting being stomatitis. The objective of this study was to report the clinical features and management outcomes of a series of cancer patients who developed painful mTOR inhibitor-associated stomatitis (mIAS). Seventeen cancer patients developed mIAS while being treated with everolimus- or ridaforolimus-containing protocols at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and were referred to the oral medicine clinic for evaluation and management. Clinical characteristics, toxicity management, and outcomes were summarized. In addition, the frequency and rationale for dose reductions and therapy discontinuation were assessed. The median duration of mTOR inhibitor therapy was 80 days (range 9-187 days). The median time to development of mouth ulcers was 10 days (range 4-25 days). Five patients required protocol-directed dose reductions due to grades 2 and 3 stomatitis and one patient discontinued cancer treatment due to mouth ulcers. Clinical improvement and pain relief was reported in 86.6% of patients following topical, intralesional, or systemic corticosteroid therapy, with side effects limited to secondary candidiasis (n=2). Mouth ulcers are a common and potentially dose limiting toxicity associated with the use of mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment. This case series demonstrates that local and systemic corticosteroid therapy is an effective approach to managing patients with symptomatic mIAS. Prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and prevention strategies with the ultimate goal of improving overall cancer treatment outcomes.

Primary Sjögren syndrome in a 2-year-old patient: role of the dentist in diagnosis and dental management with a 6-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND. Primary Sjögren syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease, especially in children, mainly affecting girls (77%), and usually diagnosed around 10 years of age. Diagnosis during childhood is difficult, especially because of the diversity of the clinical presentation and difficulty obtaining reliable history data, accounting for a higher frequency of underdiagnosed cases. Differential conditions should be considered, especially the ones that promote xerostomia, such as diabetes, ectodermal dysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, HIV and HTLV infection. Conditions associated with parotid enlargement should also be excluded, including juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP), sialadenosis, sarcoidosis, lymphoma, infectious parotitis caused by streptococcal and staphylococcal infections, viral infections (paramyxovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, and parvovirus), and diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome (associated with HIV infection), and rare congenital conditions, such as polycystic parotid disease. CASE REPORT. A paediatric female patient was referred to our clinic for dental treatment complaining about dry mouth, oral discomfort, and dysphagia. The patient presented five of the required criteria to establish the diagnosis of pSS, including ocular symptoms, oral symptoms, evidence of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, focal sialadenitis confirmed by minor salivary gland biopsy, and evidence of major salivary gland involvement. Our patient did not have positive SS-A and SS-B autoantibodies. According to the literature, about 29% of individuals with pSS can present seronegativity for SS-A (anti-Ro) antibodies and about 33% can present seronegativity for SS-B (anti-La) antibodies. CONCLUSION. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest patient reported in the scientific English literature with pSS. Primary Sjögren syndrome has a wide clinical and immunologic spectrum and may progress with increased morbidity. Clinicians must be aware of the development of pSS in such an early age and exclude all possible differential findings to provide early diagnosis and treatment.

BISPHOSPHONATE-INDUCED MAXILLOFACIAL OSTEONECROSIS IN OSTEOPOROTIC INDIVIDUALS.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the maxillae may be an important complication of long-term osteoporosis treatment. The possibility of osteonecrosis of the maxillae in patients exposed to nitrogenated bisphosphonates was first described in 2003. Since then, case reports and retrospective studies have demonstrated higher percentages of occurrence of osteonecrosis in patients who have used or are using bisphosphonates. Although this complication may be spontaneous, invasive oral procedures have a role as risk factors associated with dental procedures such as tooth extractions and other bone operations. In addition, tooth infections and periodontal disease have been reported to be the main risk factors for development of bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the maxillae. For this reason, dentists, general clinicians, orthopedists, geriatricians and oral-maxillofacial surgeons need to be aware of this problem and work in a multidisciplinary environment, thereby stimulating early diagnosis and prevention of further potential cases.