Patient communication protocols for sexually transmitted infections: A systematic review.

AIMS: We conducted a systematic review of post-test communication protocols and observational studies regarding counseling for a positive sexually transmitted infection (STI) result and also discuss the role of dental specialist (e.g., oral medicine) in this sense. METHODS AND RESULTS: The search process followed the parameters of PRISMA 2020 guidelines. MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and LILACS were consulted with a specific search strategy for each one. Additionally, the references of the included studies, grey literature, and experts were consulted. Four protocols and 18 observational studies were included in this systematic review, published between 1997 and 2022 in the Americas and Europe. The communication protocols emphasized the importance of conducting personal and private discussions with patients to address their fears and questions. Among the observational studies, 56% indicated that post-test counseling was either ineffective or absent. Furthermore, 22% of the studies used telephone communication to deliver results to patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the communication process of a positive STI result affects the patients in several aspects, as treatment adherence and their relationship with the community. Nevertheless, this process of STI post-test communication seems to be flawed, which brings potential negative effects to patients.

Clinicopathological Features of Metastasis to the Oral and Maxillofacial Region-Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of metastases in the oral and maxillofacial regions. METHODS: In this retrospective study, biopsy records were obtained from referral centers for oral and maxillofacial diagnosis in Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and South Africa. RESULTS: A total of 120 cases were evaluated. Of these, 53.78% affected female patients, with a mean age of 57.64 years. Intraosseous lesions were more frequent, particularly in the posterior region of the mandible (49.58%). Clinically, most cases presented with symptomatic swelling, with an average evolution time of 25 months. The clinical diagnostic hypothesis in most instances was that of a malignant lesion. Breast cancer was the most common primary tumor location in females, while lung origin was most common in males. In most cases, the primary cancer was an adenocarcinoma (44.73%). The follow-up period was available for 29 cases, and out of these, 20 had died due to the disease. CONCLUSION: Although this is a rare condition, clinicians should be aware that any oral lesions have the possibility of being metastatic, particularly in individuals with a previous history of cancer. The findings from this study could assist clinicians in prompt diagnosing these lesions and subsequent conducting oncologic assessments and treatment.

Acinic cell carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial region: an international multicenter study.

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, clinicopathological, and prognostic features of acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) of the oral and maxillofacial region. AciCC cases were retrospectively retrieved from 11 pathology centers of three different countries. Medical records were examined to extract demographic, clinical, pathologic, and follow-up information. A total of 75 cases were included. Females (65.33%) with a mean age of 45.51 years were mostly affected. The lesions usually presented as an asymptomatic (64.28%) nodule (95.66%) in the parotid gland (70.68%). The association of two histopathological patterns was the most common finding (48.93%) and the tumors presented mainly conventional histopathological grades (86.11%). Surgical treatment was performed in the majority of the cases (59.19%). Local recurrence was observed in 20% of the informed cases, regional metastasis in 30.43%, and distant metastasis in 12.50%. The statistical analysis showed that the cases with a solid histopathological pattern (p=0.01), high-grade transformation (p=0.008), recurrence (p=0.007), and regional metastasis (p=0.03) were associated with poor survival. In conclusion, high histopathological transformation, presence of nodal metastasis, and recurrence were prognostic factors for AciCC of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Revisiting the evidence of photodynamic therapy for oral potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma: An overview of systematic reviews.

BACKGROUND: This study summarized the available evidence about the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the management of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS: An overview of systematic reviews was undertaken based on the 2020 PRISMA statement. Electronic searches were performed in five databases. Studies published up to November 2022 were included. Risk of bias was assessed with the AMSTAR 2 tool. RESULTS: A total of 30 studies enrolling 9,245 individuals with OPMD (n = 7,487) or OSCC (n = 1,758) met the selection criteria. All studies examined the efficacy and/or safety of PDT. OPMD were investigated individually in 82.8% of the studies, the most common being oral lichen planus and actinic cheilitis. OSCC was addressed separately in 10.3% of the studies, while only 6.9% evaluated both OPMD and OSCC. Fourteen different types of photosensitizers were described. PDT was used according to the following setting parameters: 417-670 nm, 10-500 mW/cm2, 1.5-200 J/cm2, and 0.5-143 min. Regarding OPMD, leukoerythroplakia showed the best response rates, while oral lichen planus presented a partial or no response in nearly 75% of documented cases. A complete response was observed in 85.9% of OSCC cases, while 14.1% had no resolution. CONCLUSION: Overall, the response to PDT depended on the type of OPMD/OSCC and the parameters used. Although PDT is an emerging candidate for the treatment of OPMD and OSCC, there is heterogeneity of the methodologies used and the clinical data obtained, particularly regarding the follow-up period.

Birthmarks and birth defects in the head and neck region and claims of past-life memories: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review compiles published information on subjects with head or neck birth defects or birthmarks in which past-life memories were alleged. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches were done in April 2022 in the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. STUDY SELECTION: References of the included studies and the gray literature were searched. Our sample included six studies reporting 19 cases of birthmarks and birth defects in the head and neck region with alleged past-life memories. DATA EXTRACTION: The features of the lesions varied, and their size ranged between 0.5 to 12 cm. All the cases had interviews with the family of the deceased person and the family of the child with the birthmarks, and nine of them included some type of verified official report. DATA SYNTHESIS: The strength of the evidence in the cases was analyzed using the strength-of-evidence scale. CONCLUSION: This study showed that birthmarks and birth defects in the head and neck region occurred mostly in male children, with the possibility of these marks being caused by the fatal injury of the alleged personality. The literature lacks new cases with high strength of evidence, emphasizing the need for further primary studies.

Oral and maxillofacial tuberculosis: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the demographic, clinical, histopathological, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up data on the occurrence of oral and maxillofacial tuberculosis (OMTB). METHODS: Electronic searches without publication date restrictions were undertaken in four databases. Case reports and case series describing the occurrence of OMTB were included. Critical evaluation of studies was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute - University of Adelaide tool for case reports or case series. RESULTS: A total of 217 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, for a total of 301 cases of OMTB. Of these patients, 192 (63.7%) were male, with an average age of 39.6 ± 19.8 (15 months to 81 years). The tongue (n = 80/26.6%) represented the most common affected site, followed by the mandible (n = 43/14.3%). The clinical presentation consisted mainly of a painful ulcerated lesion (n = 156/56.5%). Histopathological analysis showed a granulomatous inflammation in most cases (n = 156/63.1%). The main diagnostic methods used were sputum test (n = 53/26.8%), culture (n = 49/24.7%) and purified protein derivative (PPD), or Mantoux test (n = 49/24.7%). Antituberculosis therapy was used in 244 cases (100.0%) and 5.2% of patients died. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review provided clinical, demographic data and information about diagnostic methods of OMTB lesions and served as an important guide to assist health professionals in the early diagnosis of these lesions.

Acinic cell carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial region: an international multicenter study

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, clinicopathological, and prognostic features of acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) of the oral and maxillofacial region. AciCC cases were retrospectively retrieved from 11 pathology centers of three different countries. Medical records were examined to extract demographic, clinical, pathologic, and follow-up information. A total of 75 cases were included. Females (65.33%) with a mean age of 45.51 years were mostly affected. The lesions usually presented as an asymptomatic (64.28%) nodule (95.66%) in the parotid gland (70.68%). The association of two histopathological patterns was the most common finding (48.93%) and the tumors presented mainly conventional histopathological grades (86.11%). Surgical treatment was performed in the majority of the cases (59.19%). Local recurrence was observed in 20% of the informed cases, regional metastasis in 30.43%, and distant metastasis in 12.50%. The statistical analysis showed that the cases with a solid histopathological pattern (p=0.01), high-grade transformation (p=0.008), recurrence (p=0.007), and regional metastasis (p=0.03) were associated with poor survival. In conclusion, high histopathological transformation, presence of nodal metastasis, and recurrence were prognostic factors for AciCC of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Morphological and tissue-based molecular characterization of oral lesions in patients with COVID-19: A living systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This living systematic review aims to integrate the morphological and tissue-based molecular characterization of oral lesions occurring in individuals infected by COVID-19 (OLICs). MATERIALS AND DESIGN: This study was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, Embase, and LILACS were searched to identify reports on OLICs with morphological and/or tissue-based molecular data. RESULTS: Four studies reporting five cases were included. Three patients were male, and the mean age of the individuals was 47.6 years. The most reported anatomical location was the palate (n = 4), whereas ulcers were the most frequent clinical presentation (n = 3). Histopathologically, all cases revealed cell vacuolization and exocytosis in the epithelial layer. In the mesenchymal layer, inflammatory cell infiltrate and thrombi/microvascular thrombosis were observed in three cases. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed in two cases. Both cases were negative for HHV-1, HHV-2, and CMV. One case revealed positivity for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. No other molecular tests were found for the characterization of OLIC. CONCLUSIONS: The pathological characteristics of OLICs are still unspecific. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and well-documented new cases, whether OLICs are due to coinfections or has a primary origin can be determined.

Oral and Maxillofacial Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Systematic Review.

The aim of the present study was to integrate the available data published in the literature on oral and maxillofacial neuroendocrine carcinomas concerning the demographic, clinical and histopathological features of this condition. An electronic search with no publication date restriction was undertaken in April 2021 in four databases. Eligibility criteria included reports published in English having enough data to confirm a definite diagnosis, always showing a neuroendocrine marker. Cases originating in the oropharynx, including base of the tongue and tonsils, were excluded. Outcomes were evaluated by the Kaplan-Meier method along with Cox regression. Twenty-five articles (29 cases) from nine different countries were detected. Mean patient age was 56.3 (± 17.5) years, with a slight male predilection. Symptomatology was present in 72.2% of informed cases. Regarding clinical presentation, a non-ulcerated nodule located in the gingiva with a mean size of 3.4 (± 2.0) cm was most frequently reported. Concomitant metastasis was identified in seven individuals. Histopathologically, most neoplasms were of the small cell type, and immunohistochemistry for both epithelial and neuroendocrine differentiation was used in 65.5% cases. Radical surgery was the treatment of choice in almost all cases, with or without adjuvant therapy. Mean follow-up was 20.5 (± 21.2) months, and only four patients developed recurrences. Eleven (44.0%) individuals died due to the disease. Ulcerated lesions were a prognostic factor. This study provides knowledge that can assist surgeons, oncologists, and oral and maxillofacial pathologists with the diagnosis and management of neuroendocrine carcinomas. Our findings demonstrated that the long-term prognosis of this lesion continues to be poor.

Metastasis to the oral and maxillofacial region: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review was to incorporate the information published on metastatic lesions in the in the oral and maxillofacial region into a comprehensive analysis of their demographic, clinical, and imaginological features and survival rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was undertaken in the subsequent databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and LILACS. All papers included were case reports or case series. Absolute and relative frequencies were obtained by descriptive analysis. Overall survival was defined by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: This systematic review identified 217 studies from 33 countries, comprising 348 cases. Male individuals were more affected (n = 199/57.68%) in the 5th to 7th decades of life. The most usual primary site was the lung in men (n = 49/14.08%) and the breast in women (n = 40/11.49%). Jawbones were affected in 183 cases (53.19%), with the posterior mandible (n = 96/66.66%) representing the preferred site. In soft tissues, the gingiva (n = 80/23.25%) was more affected. Clinical presentation was a nodular mass with or without ulceration (n = 280/85.89%). Imaginological examinations revealed radiolucent/hypodense lesions (n = 115/59.28%). The mean survival time was eight months. CONCLUSION: Despite the rare occurrence of metastatic lesions in the oral and maxillofacial region, the current systematic review offers substantial data that could assist clinicians and surgeons.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour of the oral and maxillofacial region-A systematic review.

To integrate the available data published on malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNST) of the oral and maxillofacial region. Searches in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus were conducted for the identification of case reports/case series in English language. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Outcomes were evaluated by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods. A total of 306 articles were retrieved, 50 of which reporting 57 MPNST were included. The lesion showed a predilection for the mandible (n = 18/31.57%) of middle-aged adults (~40.5 years) with a male/female ratio of 1.1:1. The individuals were mostly symptomatic with a mean evolution time of 9.6 months. Surgical removal plus adjuvant therapy (especially radiotherapy) was the main approach (51.86%). Recurrence was reported in 39.62% of cases. Nodal and distant metastases were identified in 28.26% and 26.66% of cases, respectively. The 2-year cumulative survival rate was 55%. Independent predictors of poor survival were the presence of neurofibromatosis type 1 (p = 0.04) and distant metastases (p = 0.004). The diagnosis of MPNST is challenging due to the variety of its clinical and histopathological presentations. Local aggressiveness and the potential for metastases are common outcomes of this neoplasm.

Benign fibrous histiocytoma of the oral and maxillofacial region: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to carry out a systematic review of available data regarding case reports and case series of oral and maxillofacial benign fibrous histiocytoma (BFH). STUDY DESIGN: A search strategy was performed using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE electronic databases. RESULTS: Male individuals (56.89%) were more affected, with a mean age of 34.55 ± 20 years. The buccal mucosa (20.33%) represented the most common site, with the clinical presentation of a painless (86.95%) nodule (98.03%). The clinical hypothesis of a fibroma was reported in most cases (31.57%). Radiographic presentation of intraosseous lesions showed multilocular radiolucent images (55.55%). Regarding the histopathologic features, the biphasic population of fibroblastic and histiocytic cells was seen in 21 cases (39.62%), and a spindle-shaped fibroblastic cell population organized into a storiform pattern was observed in 25 cases (47.16%). CD68 (n = 26) and vimentin (n = 25) showed immunoreactivity in all BFH cases in which they were used. All cases were treated with a surgical resection, and 8.10% recurred. CONCLUSIONS: The current systematic review demonstrated that BFH represents a rare lesion that mainly affects the buccal mucosa of male individuals, and the treatment is mainly surgical with a good prognosis.

Clinicopathological analysis of oral and maxillofacial acinic cell carcinoma: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present systematic review was to analyze the available data regarding acinic cell carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial region. METHODS: A search strategy was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase electronic databases. RESULTS: Available data revealed a slight female preference (54.73%) and a mean age at diagnosis of 47.51 ± 19.85 years. The parotid glands (67.72%) were most frequently affected, and most cases were asymptomatic (69.54%). A microcystic histopathological pattern was reported in 21.56% of the cases, and the Periodic acid-Schiff was the staining method most frequently used, after the hematoxylin and eosin staining, in the tumors analyzed. The lesions were mainly treated by surgical removal (72.32%). Recurrence was reported in 81 cases (27.83%) and metastasis in 100 (42.91%). Statistical data analysis revealed that tumors located in major salivary glands and exhibiting high-grade histology were associated with local recurrence (P = .01). In addition, the patients older than 57 years, lesions with bone involvement, the high-grade tumors and the cases with a history of recurrence and metastasis were associated with a lower overall survival (P < .05). CONCLUSION: By assembling all eligible cases in the literature, the present systematic review determined the most common clinicopathological profile of acinic cell carcinoma and the most relevant prognostic factors in a distinctly representative sample. The survey demonstrated the importance of considering the histopathological grading in order to better define the treatment for each case.

A Retrospective Brazilian Multicenter Study of Biopsies at the Periapical Area: Identification of Cases of Nonendodontic Periapical Lesions.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze the features of lesions obtained from biopsies at the periapical area of teeth with a radiographic or clinical initial diagnosis of apical periodontitis. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on biopsies obtained from 1953-2018 at 3 Brazilian oral and maxillofacial pathology centers. Cases of endodontic and nonendodontic periapical lesions (NPLs) with a clinical diagnosis of endodontic pathoses were retrieved. Data regarding patient age, sex, and anatomic location were obtained from patients' records. The frequency and percentage of cases with clinical diagnoses of a periapical cyst, periapical granuloma, or dentoalveolar abscess were recorded, and the final histopathologic diagnosis was documented. RESULTS: Among 66,179 oral biopsies, 7246 (10.94%) were clinically diagnosed as periapical disease, 306 (4.22%) of which were histopathologically diagnosed as NPLs. The most frequent NPLs were odontogenic keratocysts (n = 107, 34.96%) followed by dentigerous cysts (n = 48, 15.68%). The mean age at diagnosis was 39.68 years with a range of 6-80 years. A total of 159 (51.96%) cases occurred in females and 147 (48.03%) in males (female to male ratio = 1.08:1). Most lesions (137, 44.77%) were located in the posterior mandible. CONCLUSIONS: A wide variety of histopathologic diagnoses, including benign odontogenic and nonodontogenic cystic and tumorous lesions, infectious diseases, and malignant neoplasms, was reported in the present survey. The features presented in this study were consistent with previous findings reported in the literature.

A Brazilian multicentre study of 2,497 isolated cases of odontogenic keratocysts.

We present the frequency of cases of isolated odontogenic keratocysts submitted to microscopic examination at 10 Brazilian referral centres in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. In a retrospective (1953-2017) analysis, data on clinicoradiographic features and treatment of these lesions were collected and analysed descriptively. Among the 258,867 cases retrieved, 2,497 (0.96%) were isolated odontogenic keratocysts. In summary, an overview of individuals affected with isolated odontogenic keratocysts is reported herein. This lesion showed predilection for the posterior mandible of young adult men.

What is the clinical applicability of regenerative therapies in dentistry? / Qual a aplicabilidade clínica das terapias regenerativas na odontologia?

ABSTRACT Regenerative therapies have been widely developed in dentistry and it is important to incorporate dentists' knowledge of these new therapies into the dental clinic routine. This study reviewed the literature on regenerative therapies and clinical applications. Tissue engineering has contributed to changes in the paradigm of restorative health sciences. Its pillars underpin the techniques of tissue and organ regeneration. Despite the majority of studies in this field being in vitro, a range of preclinical studies and methodologies has been formed using these principles and they are already being used on humans. The use of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin in surgery as natural scaffolds for the reestablishment of bone and periodontal tissue are often reported in the literature and clinical trials using this approach have shown promising results. Stem cells from autologous dental pulp have been successfully applied in bone tissue regeneration using natural collagen scaffold in humans. In addition, revascularization of the root canal already appears in the literature as a promising alternative to apexification. The principle behind this therapy is the use of the blood clot as a scaffold and the migration of stem cells of the apical papilla to regenerate the dental pulp organ. Final considerations: Although still in the early stages, regenerative therapies can now be used in dental practice. Knowledge of the principles governing these therapies should be understood by the dentist for use in clinical practice.

RESUMO Terapias regenerativas vem sendo amplamente desenvolvidas na odontologia e o conhecimento destas novas terapias por parte dos dentistas é importante para que elas sejam incorporadas na rotina clínica odontológica. Assim, este estudo revisou a literatura acerca das terapias regenerativas e suas aplicações clínicas. A engenharia tecidual tem contribuído na mudança do paradigma restaurador das ciências da saúde. Seus pilares embasam as técnicas de regeneração de tecidos e órgãos. Apesar da grande maioria dos estudos neste campo ser in vitro, uma gama de metodologias pré-clínicas foi consolidada e estudos utilizando estes princípios já estão sendo empregados em humanos. A utilização de plasma rico em plaquetas e plasma rico em fibrina como scaffolds naturais em cirurgias para reestabelecimento de tecido ósseo e periodontal são frequentemente relatadas na literatura e ensaios clínicos utilizando esta abordagem demonstram resultados promissores. Células-tronco da polpa dental autólogas já foram aplicadas com sucesso na regeneração de tecido ósseo utilizando scaffold naturais de colágeno em humanos. Além disto, a revascularização do canal radicular já aparece na literatura como uma alternativa promissora frente a opção de apecificação do canal radicular. Esta terapia utiliza como princípio o coágulo sanguíneo como scaffold e a migração das células-tronco da papila apical para regenerar o órgão pulpar. Considerações finais: Apesar de incipientes, as terapias regenerativas já podem ser utilizadas na prática clínica odontológica. O conhecimento dos princípios que regem estas terapias deve ser compreendido pelo dentista para que sejam utilizadas na prática clínica.