Papillary tumours of the minor salivary glands.

The clinical and histological features of oncocytic adenomatous hyperplasia, papillary adenoma, and papillary adenocarcinoma of the oral cavity are described, and the literature is reviewed. Histological features which may be of value in distinguishing between benign and malignant variants are described, and in view of the slow growth rate of most of these tumours, the importance of long-term follow-up is stressed.

Deciduous teeth contain histories of developmental disturbances.

The crowns of the deciduous teeth are permanent structures which form by incremental growth during the second half of pregnancy and first year of life. These structures become available between the ages of 6 and 12 years with normal exfoliation and can then be studied histologically to demonstrate evidence of metabolic disturbances occurring during tooth development. As the chronology of disturbances can be assessed with reasonable accuracy, such studies provide a potentially valuable research tool.

The sensitivity of the developing tooth germ to systemic disturbances.

Deciduous tooth germs were removed from 76 babies who were either stillborn or had died in infancy. Lines in enamel or dentine were identified histologically. A chronological association was found between these lines and systemic illness in the child or pregnant mother in half the cases studied. Enamel was more sensitive to environmental factors than dentine, but causes of disturbance appeared to be non-specific. Teeth are a sensitive but non-specific index of environmental disturbance.

Felty's syndrome.

An unusual case is presented in which a patient complained of oral ulceration and soreness of the mouth and throat. The results of clinical and laboratory investigations are reported and it was concluded that these oral symptoms were associated with Felty's Syndrome. After treatment of oral infection and a dental clearance the patient was virtually symptom-free for five months. The patient had a relapse and was admitted to hospital for treatment of overwhelming infection. Splenectomy was performed without sustained benefit and the patient died six weeks later.

Oral manifestations of an arteriovenous anastomosis.

Described is the case of a healthy 30-year-old Caucasian man who presented with marked unilateral loss of alveolar bone and tooth mobility on the left side. The history and clinical signs and symptoms were consistent with the diagnosis of congenital arteriovenous anastomosis.