Diagnostic dilemma in maxillofacial pathologies: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck are a site of numerous pathologies with different aetiologies and presentations. Rare pathologies, although infrequent still do exist. Diagnostic dilemma in maxillofacial pathologies can be the most challenging situation. Dealing with uncertainty, although difficult, is a reality in surgical practice. Being thorough, attentive to details and clues, and maintaining an open mind are critical strategies in the approach to such a patient. CASE PRESENTATION: In our paper we are reporting a spectrum of 4 unusual variants of head and neck pathologies, whose age and sex were 52 years/ M, 37 years/F, 41 years/ F, 30 years/F respectively. All the patients were of Indian origin. The diagnosis ranged from autoimmune diseases to lymphatic cancer which posed a unique challenge both in the terms of diagnosis and management. CONCLUSION: A thorough systematic evaluation along with a multidisciplinary approach is mandatory in the diagnosis of unusual head and neck pathologies.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of University Students Regarding the Impact of Smokeless Tobacco, Areca Nut, E-cigarette Use on Oral Health.

BACKGROUND:  The prevalence of smokeless tobacco, areca nut, and e-cigarette use among university students has raised concerns regarding their potential impact on oral health. Assessing students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward these substances is necessary. Understanding these factors can inform targeted interventions and policies promoting oral health among this population. This study aims to investigate the awareness levels, attitudes, and behaviors of university students regarding smokeless tobacco, areca nut, and e-cigarette use and their potential effects on oral health. Identifying gaps in knowledge and misconceptions will help guide educational initiatives and public health interventions tailored to the needs of university students. METHODOLOGY:  The study employed a designed questionnaire, comprising 20 closed-ended queries, administered via the Google Forms platform. This survey was disseminated among college students in Chennai to gather insights for the study. RESULTS: Of the 500 college students included in the study, almost 85.5% (427) were aware of the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco on oral health. Additionally, 74.6% (373) recognized that chewing areca nut contributes to poor oral health, while 59.8% (299) acknowledged the negative impact of e-cigarette use. CONCLUSIONS: The present study concluded that 11.1% (6) used smokeless tobacco, 18.9% (94) chewed areca nut, and 1.9% (10) used areca nut along with tobacco. Regarding e-cigarettes, 3.9% (19) indulged in vaping as a substitute for smoking regular cigarettes and 12.1% (61) used it along with tobacco cigarettes. It was also noted that 27.8% (139) were trying to quit and 12.6% (63) have tried but could not succeed. Therefore, although there was awareness of the ill effects of these deleterious habits on oral health and the increased risk of oral cancer, there remains a need to educate individuals and provide support for quitting these habits. Our study will provide insights into the present scenario of the awareness of the association between oral health and tobacco/areca nut consumption among college students in Chennai city.

Bioaerosols from mouth-breathing: Under-recognized transmissible mode in COVID-19?

The whole world has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and many researchers are racing to understand the disease course and to undertake risk analyses to formulate effective treatment strategies. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly transmissible through coughing and sneezing, and through breathing and talking which may account for viral transmission from asymptomatic carriers. Bioaerosols produced during mouth-breathing, an expiratory process in habitual mouth breathers, should be considered in addition to nasal bioparticles as a potential transmissible mode in COVID-19. Oral health professionals are justifiably apprehensive about the exposure risk due to close face-to-face contact and the mode of transmission. The aim of this commentary is to summarize the research conducted in this area and suggested strategies to limit the spread of COVID-19, especially in dental offices.

Irregular periapical radiopacity in mandibular premolars and molars.

Increased deposition of cementum is observed in a wide number of both benign and malignant conditions. Many cases are often diagnosed during routine examination as an incidental finding. Diagnosing correctly without confusing it with other similarly appearing lesions, thus avoiding subjecting the patient to unnecessary investigations and stress, is of prime importance. We report one such case, where the patient presented with the routine complaint of a painful tooth, during the investigation of which he was also diagnosed with hypercementosis affecting the mandibular second premolars and molars bilaterally. The literature review reveals that not many cases of hypercementosis are frequently reported.

Salivary Duct Cyst: Histo-pathologic Correlation.

Non-neoplastic cysts of the salivary glands are uncommon and represent 2-5% of all salivary gland lesions. They are mainly mucoceles or salivary duct cysts. Unlike a mucocele, which is surrounded by granulation tissue, the salivary duct cyst is lined by epithelium. Salivary duct cysts are more common in the oral minor salivary glands and rarely occur in the major salivary glands, show a marked predilection for the superficial lobe of the parotid, and represent 10% of all salivary gland cysts. Neoplastic differentiation of the lining of the salivary duct cyst has been reported. We report a case of a salivary duct cyst of the left parotid gland, with a review of radiographic and histopathologic features.

Multiple osteolytic lesions.

Several systemic diseases initially present with various oral manifestations. Investigation of these oral symptoms may at times lead to the diagnosis of grave underlying life-threatening conditions. We present one such case, where the patient manifested with gross enlargement of the mandible, along with lesions in the lower limbs. These lesions were the initial manifestation and on further investigations the patient was diagnosed with multiple myeloma.