Innovative reflection on oral cancer research priorities: the contribution of social network analysis.

The objective of this study is to present a tool to help understand how variables associated with oral cancer prevention relate to each other in a social network. A search of the Scopus database was performed using terms related to oral cancer and prevention from 2000 to 2020. The keywords were used as nodes and were analyzed using NodeXL, which produced the network graphic analysis. From the 1004 publications available, 4038 different keywords were obtained and then grouped into 75 constructs based on conceptual similarity. The most influential nodes were risk factors, comorbidities, epidemiology, and treatment. However, topics such as technology, telemedicine, self-examination, and diagnostic delay remain far removed from central relations. Network analysis enabled us to observe the bias of biological and basic science in the field and identify a need for studies concerning primary prevention, behavioral interventions, and inequalities in oral cancer.

Most used photobiomodulation dosimetry parameters to treat oral mucositis after preconditioning for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Parameter reproducibility in photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) is still scarce in literature for the management of oral mucositis (OM). This study aimed to identify the most used PBMT dosimetry parameters (DP) and their efficacy in OM management after preconditioning for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This research was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The search for primary studies was in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, BVS, and Cochrane Library. Gray literature was verified on BDTD-Ibict and Open Gray. A total of 1044 studies were identified. Nine met the eligibility criteria for qualitative assessment and 7 for meta-analysis. The studies involved 396 patients submitted to preconditioning for HSCT, 211 with PBMT and 185 without PBMT in the OM management. The WHO scale was the most used to assess OM degree. The most used parameters were 660-nm wavelength, 40-mw power, 0.16-J energy, 1-W/cm2 power density, 4-J/cm2 energy density, and 0.04-cm2 spot size. The meta-analysis demonstrated that PBMT decreased the severity of OM, with a protection factor 20% higher than the control group (without PBMT), and when the parameters are similar to the DP mentioned, the protection factor increases to 94%. These most used DP with similarity seem to be a therapeutic strategy for the management of OM in this population.

Telediagnosis of oral lesions using smartphone photography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this observational study was to evaluate telediagnosis of oral lesions using smartphone photography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with visible oral lesions composed a convenience sample. The lesions were photographed using a smartphone camera and emailed along with clinical information to three evaluators, who formulated up to two diagnostic hypotheses for each case. A total of 235 photographs from 113 clinical cases were obtained. The evaluators answered questions regarding referral decisions, requests for additional tests, diagnostic difficulties, and image quality. The diagnostic hypotheses were compared to the gold standard by means of percent agreement and kappa coefficient. Consensual face-to-face diagnoses of three specialists-when only a clinical diagnosis was necessary-or histopathological results-when a biopsy was necessary-were considered the gold standard. RESULTS: The telediagnosis was similar to the gold standard in 76% of the cases, and kappa coefficients showed almost perfect agreement (k = 0.817-0.903). The evaluators considered that referrals could have been avoided on an average of 35,4% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of oral lesions using images taken with a smartphone showed almost perfect agreement and diagnostic accuracy comparable to face-to-face diagnosis.

Innovative reflection on oral cancer research priorities: the contribution of social network analysis

Abstract: The objective of this study is to present a tool to help understand how variables associated with oral cancer prevention relate to each other in a social network. A search of the Scopus database was performed using terms related to oral cancer and prevention from 2000 to 2020. The keywords were used as nodes and were analyzed using NodeXL, which produced the network graphic analysis. From the 1004 publications available, 4038 different keywords were obtained and then grouped into 75 constructs based on conceptual similarity. The most influential nodes were risk factors, comorbidities, epidemiology, and treatment. However, topics such as technology, telemedicine, self-examination, and diagnostic delay remain far removed from central relations. Network analysis enabled us to observe the bias of biological and basic science in the field and identify a need for studies concerning primary prevention, behavioral interventions, and inequalities in oral cancer.

Lingual amyloidosis associated to multiple myeloma: case report / Amiloidose lingual associada a mieloma múltiplo: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Oral amyloidosis is a disease characterized by extracellular and irreversible deposition of amorphous and fibrillar proteins in the oral cavity, being strongly associated with Multiple Myeloma. The objective of this study is to report a case of a 62-year-old woman diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma who, approximately 2 years after starting treatment for the underlying disease, presented a lesion on the lateral border of the tongue with exophytic growth, pinkish color, vascularized, painless, measuring 3cm in its largest diameter. After histopathological analysis through incisional biopsy, a final diagnosis of amyloidosis was obtained. As a local treatment, we opted for complete excision of the lesion. The patient evolved to death due to Multiple Myeloma influenced by the diagnosis of systemic amyloidosis. Oral amyloidosis is usually associated with the systemic presentation of the disease, making it necessary to conduct a thorough investigation of other organs. Its diagnosis is important since the prognosis is directly related and can negatively influence survival rates and treatment of the underlying disease.

RESUMO A amiloidose oral é uma doença caracterizada pela deposição extracelular e irreversível de proteínas amorfas e fibrilares na cavidade bucal, sendo fortemente associada com Mieloma Múltiplo. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar o caso de uma mulher com 62 anos de idade diagnosticada com Mieloma Múltiplo que, aproximadamente 2 anos após o início do tratamento para a doença de base, apresentou lesão em borda lateral de língua com crescimento exofítico, de coloração rósea, vascularizada, indolor, medindo 3 cm em seu maior diâmetro. Após análise histopatológica através de biópsia incisional, obteve-se diagnóstico final de amiloidose. Como tratamento local, optou-se pela exérese completa da lesão. A paciente evoluiu para óbito por consequência do Mieloma Múltiplo com complicações associadas à amiloidose sistêmica. A amiloidose oral geralmente está associada com a apresentação sistêmica da doença, tornando necessária uma investigação aprofundada nos demais órgãos. Seu diagnóstico é importante uma vez que pode influenciar diretamente no prognóstico e, consequentemente, negativamente nas taxas de sobrevida e no tratamento da doença de base.

Exosomes in cancer.

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles released by cells under physiological and pathological conditions. There is emerging evidence associating exosomes with tumorigenesis. They carry cargo (DNA, RNA, miRNA and protein) pertaining to the cell of origin and play a key role in intercellular communication, influencing several cellular processes. Moreover, exosomes can be shed and found in almost all body fluids, providing a source of biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. In addition, the use of exosomes for cancer therapeutics is another research area that is gaining attention. This book chapter aims to explore the role of exosomes in tumor biogenesis, progression and clinical applications, comprehensively compiling the research for three tumor types, namely head and neck cancer, lung cancer and glioblastoma.

Use of smartphone video calls in the diagnosis of oral lesions: Teleconsultations between a specialist and patients assisted by a general dentist.

BACKGROUND: Teleassistance in dentistry enables the support of dentists in areas without access to specialists. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of synchronous teleconsultation in oral medicine. METHODS: Patients referred for specialized care owing to oral lesions were evaluated in person by a general dentist who obtained photographs of the lesions with a smartphone. The images were sent via a mobile application to an oral medicine specialist, with whom a video call was initiated on the same instant messaging application. After interviewing the patient, the specialist formulated a diagnostic hypothesis and suggestions for case management. Then a second specialist, blinded to the first evaluation, assessed the oral lesion in person and defined a diagnosis, which was considered as the reference standard. Diagnoses from the remote and the face-to-face consultations were compared in percentage levels of agreement and κ coefficient. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients, 25 through 83 years old, had 41 oral lesions. The average teleconsultation length was approximately 10 minutes. In 92.7% of the cases, there was concordance between the telediagnosis and the reference standard (κ = 0.922). CONCLUSIONS: Synchronous teleconsultation can provide reliable remote diagnosis through the support to primary care health care professionals in management of oral lesions. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Earlier diagnosis of malignancies, improvement of access for unassisted populations, and reduction of unnecessary referrals are possible practical implications of remote support of a specialist in the management and diagnosis of oral lesions.

Changes in salivary composition of chemically dependent subjects / Cambios en la composición salival de personas químicamente dependientes

Abstract Chemically dependent subjects may present relevant changes in the volume and composition of salivary fluid because the secretion of the salivary glands is controlled by the parasympathetic and sympathetic system. The aim of this study was to compare the salivary concentration of total proteins, amylase, urea, calcium, phosphate and flow rate between chemically dependent and non-chemically dependent subjects. Saliva flow rate, calcium, phosphate, total protein, amylase and urea concentrations were measure in both groups: chemical dependent group (n=27) and control group (n=27). Saliva samples, from the chemically dependents, were taken one day before the beginning of the detoxification treatment. Statistical analysis was undertaken using t-test. The salivary flow and the urea concentration did not present statistically significant difference between the groups. However, total proteins, amylase, calcium and phosphate concentrations were statistically higher on the chemical dependents group. Saliva composition seems to be modified by the chronic use of alcohol and illicit drugs.

Resumen Los dependientes químicos pueden presentar cambios relevantes en el volumen y la composición de la saliva, debido a que la secreción de las glándulas salivales es controlada por el sistema parasimpático y simpático. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la concentración salival de proteínas totales, amilasa, urea, calcio, fosfato y la velocidad de flujo salival entre personas con dependencia química y no dependientes. Cada grupo fue formado por 27 participantes. La velocidad del flujo salival y las concentraciones de calcio, fosfato, proteína total, amilasa y urea se midieron en ambos grupos. Las muestras de saliva de los dependientes químicos se tomaron un día antes de comenzar el tratamiento de desintoxicación. El análisis estadístico se realizó por medio del test t de student. El flujo salival y la concentración de urea no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos. Sin embargo, las concentraciones de proteínas totales, amilasa, calcio y fosfato fueron estadísticamente mayores en el grupo de dependientes químicos. El uso crónico de alcohol y de drogas ilícitas provocan modificaciones en la composición salival.

The Influence of Dietary Salt on the Osseointegration of Implants in Aging Rats

Introduction: The bone-implant interface has been studied extensively, but only few papers focused on the nutritional aspects that may affect bone quality, especially salt intake. Objective: To study the osseointegration of implants in salt-loaded rats with low mineral bone content. Methods: A total of 60 4-month-old male rats were divided in 2 groups ( n = 30), being these groups divided in 2 periods, (2 and 4 months). The control group received a normal diet, while the test group received a diet supplemented with 1% sodium chloride (NaCl). Implants were placed in the tibia of both groups. A total of 15 animals of each group were sacrificed at the 2 nd month of the experiment, while the remaining animals were sacrificed at the 4 th month. Results: No statistically significant difference was found in food intake between the groups on any experimental period, but a statistically significant difference was found in the liquid intake in the saline group in both periods. For all groups, osseointegration was observed in both groups. The mean percentage of osseointegration in the cortical bone, in the trabecular bone, and in the total osseointegrated surface between the control (46.38 ± 16.17%) and saline (49.13 ± 11.52%) groups at 2 months was not statistically different ( p = 0.61). The total osseointegration areas of the control (53.98 ± 12.06%) and saline (51.40 ± 13.01%) groups at the 4 th month of the study were not statistically ( p = 0.61). Conclusion: Ingestion of salt did not affect directly the osseointegration process during the period of the experiment. The results suggest that mineral losses may not affect the achievement of good osseointegration in aging rats. (AU)

The Influence of Dietary Salt on the Osseointegration of Implants in Aging Rats.

Introduction The bone-implant interface has been studied extensively, but only few papers focused on the nutritional aspects that may affect bone quality, especially salt intake. Objective To study the osseointegration of implants in salt-loaded rats with low mineral bone content. Methods A total of 60 4-month-old male rats were divided in 2 groups ( n = 30), being these groups divided in 2 periods, (2 and 4 months). The control group received a normal diet, while the test group received a diet supplemented with 1% sodium chloride (NaCl). Implants were placed in the tibia of both groups. A total of 15 animals of each group were sacrificed at the 2 nd month of the experiment, while the remaining animals were sacrificed at the 4 th month. Results No statistically significant difference was found in food intake between the groups on any experimental period, but a statistically significant difference was found in the liquid intake in the saline group in both periods. For all groups, osseointegration was observed in both groups. The mean percentage of osseointegration in the cortical bone, in the trabecular bone, and in the total osseointegrated surface between the control (46.38 ± 16.17%) and saline (49.13 ± 11.52%) groups at 2 months was not statistically different ( p = 0.61). The total osseointegration areas of the control (53.98 ± 12.06%) and saline (51.40 ± 13.01%) groups at the 4 th month of the study were not statistically ( p = 0.61). Conclusion Ingestion of salt did not affect directly the osseointegration process during the period of the experiment. The results suggest that mineral losses may not affect the achievement of good osseointegration in aging rats.

Effect of Storage Time and Temperature on Salivary Total Antioxidant Capacity, Total Oxidant Status, and Oxidant Stress Index.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of short-term storage in two different temperatures on stability of salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidant stress index (OSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva samples were collected from twenty healthy volunteers for the study. An aliquot was selected for immediate analysis and the rest was stored at -20°C and -80°C for a period of 120 days, and analyzes were performed at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 days. The determination of the TOS and the TAC were performed by colorimetric methods. RESULTS: The results show that the two storage temperatures were able to preserve oxidants and antioxidants up to 60 days with similar levels when compared with fresh samples. When comparing the different storage temperatures at each time point, no significant differences were observed. Finally, the OSI remains constant over time of storage at both temperatures without statistically significant differences between them. The results were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean. Statistical analysis was performed using the repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), the Bonferroni and t-test. A p-value <0.05 was accepted to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The two temperatures were able to keep salivary TOS and TAC levels similar to fresh saliva samples. Therefore they are reliable for assessing oxidative stress up to 60 days.

Evaluación longitudinal de la mucositis oral en el trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas: un estudio piloto / Longitudinal evaluation of oral mucositis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a pilot study

Resumen Objetivo: Describir la incidencia y el puntaje de la mucositis oral (MO) y las morbilidades relacionadas en individuos sometidos a trasplante de células madre hematopoyéticas (TCMH) a lo largo del período de inmunosupresión. Métodos: Los sujetos con enfermedades onco / hematológicas, mayores de 14 años, sometidos a TCMH alogénico fueron evaluados diariamente por la presencia y clasificación de OM, nivel de dolor, disfagia, disgeusia y xerostomía. El examen comenzó dos días antes de la infusión de células madre hematopoyéticas y finalizó veinte días después. La OM se clasificó de acuerdo con la escala de la OMS y se utilizó la escala analógica visual (EVA) para medir el nivel de dolor. Resultados: Se reclutaron 23 individuos, el 83% con enfermedades malignas y el 91% con OM. La mediana del grado máximo de OM fue 3 y el nivel máximo de dolor fue 9. Hubo una mediana de 11 días de uso de medicación opioide. Los sujetos que tuvieron el mayor número de días con dolor en la boca alcanzaron el grado máximo de OM y el mayor número de días y el uso de opioides. Conclusión: Hubo una alta incidencia y puntuaciones más altas de OM, pérdida de masa corporal y dolor en esta muestra.

Abstract Aim: To describe the oral mucositis (OM)` incidence and score, and related morbidities in individuals submitted to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) throughout the immunosuppression period of time. Methods: Subjects with onco / hematological diseases, older than 14 years, submitted to allogeneic HSCT were daily evaluated by the presence and classification of OM, pain level, dysphagia, dysgeusia and xerostomia. The examination started two days before the infusion of hematopoietic stem cells and ended twenty days later. The OM was classified according to the WHO scale and visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain level. Results: Twenty-three individuals were recruted, 83% with malignant diseases and 91% had OM. The median of maximum OM degree was 3 and the maximum pain level was 9. There was a median of 11 days of opioid medication use. The subjects who had the highest mean number of days with mouth pain reached the maximum degree of OM and higher number of days and opiod use. Conclusion: There was a high incidence and high scores of OM, loss of body mass and pain in this sample.

Dental and oral manifestations of celiac disease

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental and oral manifestations in patients with celiac disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 40 patients with the disease and 40 without the disease matched by age in southern Brazil. The CD group included patients previously diagnosed by positive anti-endomysial (IgA) examination and confirmed by small intestine biopsy. The presence of dental enamel defects and dental caries was evaluated by a calibrated researcher according to AINE's and WHO's criteria, respectively. The history of recurrent aphthous ulcers and dry mouth was obtained through reporting. For the evaluation of the salivary flow, the saliva samples were obtained through the non-stimulated and stimulated saliva collection method. RESULTS: There was a significant association between CD and dental enamel defects (OR =2.38, P = 0.045) and dry mouth (OR = 9.15, P =0.002). No difference was found for the report of recurrent aphthous ulcers and caries experience between the two groups. Patients with CD had normal pattern of unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow rates (0.67 ± 0.38 ml / min and 1.14 ± 0.47 ml / min, respectively). A higher occurrence of dental enamel defects was observed in patients with classic CD (P = 0.054). Of the 1,962 permanent teeth, 59 presented dental enamel defects, 71.8% of which were in patients with CD (P = 0.001), predominantly in molars (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: CD increased the likelihood of dental enamel defects and dry mouth sensation. The oral examination can be an important auxiliary tool for the identification of cases of the disease

Effect of short-term mechanical stimulation on the salivary concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E, total antioxidant capacity and total oxidant status.

Oxidative stress biomarkers of oral and systemic diseases can be found in saliva. However, there is no uniformity for the saliva collection time in these kinds of analyses and saliva composition may change because of mechanical stimulation. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the effect of mechanical stimulation for 10 min on the concentrations of vitamin C, vitamin E, total antioxidants and total oxidants in saliva. Saliva samples from individuals of both sexes, aged between 18 and 38 years, were collected for 10 min at 2 minintervals. Saliva flow rate in each 2 min period was measured, as well the total oxidant state, the total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations. All analyses were performed in triplicate and were determined using colorimetric tests. The results were analysed using t-test, Friedman's test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. Mauchly's sphericity test was applied and, if necessary, technical corrections were made using the Greenhouse-Geisser test. We found no significant difference between the amounts of saliva produced across the collection times. Total oxidant status, total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C and vitamin E concentrations remained stable. Based on our findings, saliva can be collected for 10 min or less with masticatory stimulation without any variations in the concentration of the variables analysed. However, we suggest using saliva samples after two minutes of mechanical stimulation.

Salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as a tool for early diagnosis of oral cancer in individuals with Fanconi anemia.

Currently one of the greater challenges is the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Many studies address the genetic and metabolic aspects to support in early diagnosis and increase the survival of individuals at high risk. Individuals with Fanconi anemia can be included in this high risk group because they have a predisposition to develop head and neck cancer. The use of salivary enzymes as biomarkers to detect the changes in oral tissue at the initial phase seems viable, because saliva is easy to obtain, it moisture oral mucosa and cells metabolic compounds can be found on it. Due to the metabolic characteristics of the cancer cell, an increase in Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) may indicate a carcinogenesis process. The hypothesis of this study is to use of salivary LDH as a tool in the early diagnosis of oral cancer on a high risk group such as Fanconi anemia's patients.

Oral cancer in Fanconi anemia: Review of 121 cases.

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by aplastic anemia, progressive pancytopenia, congenital anomalies, and increased risk of cancer development. After hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), patients have an estimated 500-fold increase in the risk of developing head and neck cancer compared to a non-affected, and the oral cavity is affected in one-third of cases. Thus, this study aimed to better understand the natural history of oral cavity cancer in patients affected by FA. After conducting a keyword search on MEDLINE, we found 121 cases of oral cavity cancer in patients who had been affected by FA. In conclusion, HSCT may increase the risks of oral cancer development, especially after 5 years after the transplant. In the normal population, the tongue is the most affected area. FA patients should be informed of the risks of oral malignant transformation and encouraged to be undergo medical surveillance.

Fibroma osificante periférico de establecimiento precoz: reporte de un caso / Early onset peripheral ossifying fibroma: Presentation of a case

RESUMEN: El fibroma osificante periférico (FOP) es una hipertrofia benigna de los tejidos. Se localiza en la región de la papila interdental, proveniente de células que derivan del ligamento periodontal. Generalmente mide menos de 1,5cm de diámetro, siendo muy raro en recién nacidos. El objetivo de la presentación de este caso clínico es describir un caso de FOP en un bebé de 6 meses de edad. La niña presentaba una lesión nodular localizada en la mucosa gingival, en el área de incisivos inferiores, de aproximadamente 1,5cm diámetro, de consistencia firme, lisa, y coloración igual a la de la mucosa subyacente. Un diente neonatal había sido removido a los 2 meses de nacida. El FOP es una lesión poco común y que raramente puede encontrarse en bebés menores de un año de edad; por este motivo es importante realizar el diagnóstico adecuado, para evitar cualquier complicación debido a su establecimiento precoz y rápido crecimiento.

ABSTRACT: The peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a rare, reactive and inflammatory gingival overgrowth, arising on the interdental papilla, from cells derived of the periodontal ligament. Usually its diameter is less than 1.5 cm. It's uncommon in newborns, frequently occurring in teenagers and young adult. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of FOP in a six months old baby. She had a nodular lesion, located on the gingival mucosa of the lower incisor area, of approximately 1.5 cm; it was firm, smooth, pedunculated, with an equal color of the underlying mucosa. A neonatal tooth had been removed four months back. Although FOP is a rare injury, it can be found in infants with less than one year of age, which is why it is important to make the right diagnosis, and an opportune treatment, to avoid further complications due to its early establishment and rapid growth.

Changes in the salivary oxidative status in individuals with temporomandibular disorders and pain.

Temporomandibular joint disorders are quite common among the general public. Free radicals may play a role in the pathogenesis of joint diseases, and the oxidative stress is an important aspect in the mechanism of TMDs. The use of new biotechnologies has enabled the use of saliva as a diagnostic method. This is the first paper that aims to investigate changes in the oxidative status, through saliva analysis, in individuals who suffer from temporomandibular disorder and pain. Sixty individuals, 54 women and 06 men, aged between 10 and 60, participated in this research. The questionnaire 'Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders' (RDC/TMD) was filled out in order to determine the presence and the type of TMD, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was conducted in order to measure the pain perception caused by TMD. In addition, the total oxidant status (TOS), and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured, and the oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. The t-test and the Pearson Correlation Test were used with the significance level of p < 0.05. The TAC in individuals with TMD and pain was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). There was no difference regarding the levels of TOS (p = 0.765) between both groups. As a result, the OSI was significantly higher in the group TMD and pain (p = 0.011). There was no correlation between VAS, TAC, and TOS values. Within the limits of this study, oxidative changes seem to influence the pathogenesis of pain in TMDs.

Mandibular metastasis of cutaneous melanoma.

Melanoma is a malignant neoplasm of melanocytes that can metastasize to every organ of the body, but metastasis to the oral cavity is uncommon. We describe a case of metastatic malignant melanoma to the mandible in a 33-years-old woman. The patient had a 2 cm × 4 cm firm, ulcerated nodule, distal to the second mandibular right molar. Incisional biopsy revealed epithelioid cells and immunohistochemistry was positive for HMB-45, S-100 protein and vimentin. The patient was referred to the local cancer hospital for treatment but died 3 months later. Metastatic malignant melanomas of the oral cavity are rare and unusual. Early diagnosis of the primary tumor is essential for successful treatment and to improvement of patient prognosis.

Gingival proliferative lesions in children and adolescents in Brazil: A 15-year-period cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Studies assessing the prevalence of oral lesions in children and adolescents, particularly in gingiva are scarce in the literature. The aim of the study was to describe the distribution of gingival proliferative lesions based on clinical and histopathological diagnoses in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of clinical charts of children and adolescents aged between 0 and 18 years old, admitted to the Oral Medicine Outpatient Unit, of Universidade Federal do Paraná, for 15 years (1994-2009) was performed. RESULTS: Six hundred and sixty-nine out of 5,129 patients treated during this period were aged between 0 and 18 years old, and 45 of these had gingival lesions. The largest number of lesions was observed between 11 and 16 years old. The majority of the patients were referred by Curitiba's public health system. Pyogenic granuloma was the most frequent lesion (19 = 42.2%), followed by peripheral giant cell lesion (11 = 24.4%), gingival fibromatosis (10 = 22.2%), and peripheral ossifying fibroma (5 = 11.1%). CONCLUSION: Gingival proliferative lesions can show similar clinical characteristics. Appropriate clinical and histopathological diagnoses are necessary to guide the healthcare professional to establish the adequate treatment and to estimate the risk of recurrence.