Peripheral ossifying fibroma of oral cavity: histopathologic differential diagnoses

Peripheral ossifying fibroma is a benign neoplasm that usuallydevelops from gingiva, presenting as an exophytic smooth surfaced pink or red nodular mass that is sessile or is less frequently seen on a pedicle. From the Indian perspective, it is usually noticed in 5th-6th decades of life with female predilection. Microscopically, the tumour shows stratified squamous epithelium and highly cellular fibrous stroma, sparse endothelial proliferation with fibroblasts and dystrophic calcifications. It has to be differentiated histopathologically from pyogenic granuloma, fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, peripheral odontogenic fibroma and fibrous hyperplasia. A case of peripheral ossifying fibroma of maxillary gingiva in a 55-year-old Indian woman is reported.

Forensic odontology

Forensic odontology is a specialized field of dentistry which analyses dental evidence in the interest of justice. Forensic odontology embraces all dental specialities and it is almost impossible to segregate this branch from other dental specialities. This review aims to discuss the utility of various dental specialities with forensic odontology.

Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma of the mandible arising de novo

Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma is an odontogenic tumour with aggressive behaviour usually noticed in 6th to 7th decades of life. The tumour is characterized by progressive swelling of the jaw, pain and loosening of teeth. Microscopically, the lesion is showing foci of keratinising cells separated by collagenous connective tissue stroma. A case of primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma of mandible arising de novo in a 40-year-old man is reported.

Pemphigus vulgaris in oral cavity: clinical analysis of 71 cases

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical presentation of pemphigus vulgaris in the oral cavity.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of 71 cases of pemphigus vulgaris obtained over a period of 7 years from 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2007 in the Department of Oral Pathology, Government Dental College and Department of Dermatology, Government Medical College, Calicut was designed. Clinical details such as age, sex, intraoral distribution, extent of oral lesions, oral presentation, duration, oral involvement (whether primary or secondary) and mode of onset were noted from the files of corresponding Departments.

RESULTS

In about 53.52% of cases, the oral cavity was the primary site of involvement. The mean age was 42.73 years and male: female ratio was 1:1.73. The most commonly affected sites were the buccal mucosa and the palate. The disease began with generalized lesions rather than localized lesions. All cases presented as ulcers or erosions.

CONCLUSION

Although minor differences were noted, the results of this study are in relatively good agreement with the literature with regard to the age, gender, and initial presentation of pemphigus vulgaris.

A retrospective analysis of gingival biopsied lesions in South Indian population: 2001-2006

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to analyze the frequency and distribution of gingival lesions in South Indian population.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of 244 cases of gingival biopsies obtained over a period of 6 years from 1st January 2001 to 31st December 2006 in the Department of Oral Pathology, Government Dental College, Calicut was designed. The lesions were classified into neoplastic lesions and nonneoplastic lesions. Data regarding the age and sex of subjects and the location and type of lesions were obtained from biopsy register for each case.

RESULTS

Nonneoplastic lesions accounted for 75.5% of cases with pyogenic granuloma being the most frequent. Neoplasms accounted for 24.5% of biopsies (18% benign, 6.5% malignant). The most frequent benign and malignant neoplasms were peripheral ossifying fibroma and squamous cell carcinoma respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that there are some differences in the frequency and distribution of gingival lesions in South Indian population. The data presented in this study can be used as a guide for additional multicenter studies in India.

Primary intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma of the mandible with lung metastasis: a case report

Intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma is an extremely rare neoplasm with only 17 cases reported previously. A case of primary intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma of the mandible with lung metastasis in a 45-year-old man is reported, together with a brief review of the literature.

Sebaceous differentiation in odontogenic keratocyst

Sebaceous glands are common in the oral mucosa, but are not normally present with in the jaws. A case of an odontogenic keratocyst with sebaceous glands in the epithelium in a 12-year-old child is presented here, with special emphasis on its histogenesis.

Oral pemphigus vulgaris: clinicopathologic study of 20 cases

Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a vesiculobullous lesion that produces intraepithelial blisters in skin and mucous membrane. The oral mucosa is often the first site to be affected by the disease. Although oral PVis a well characterized condition, the detailed clinical and histopathological study in Malabar population has not been reported. A clinicopathologic study of 20 cases of oral PV observed over a span of 2 years from January 2004 to January 2006 is reported. For these 20 cases, the mean age was 42.3 years and male:female ratio was 2:3. The most commonly affected sites were the buccal mucosa and palate. Histopathologic examination with direct immunofluorescence was the method of diagnosis in all cases. Suprabasilar clefting with acantholytic cells can be seen histopathologically and IgG positivity in direct immunofluorescence in all cases that have been studied.

Clear cell ameloblastoma in a young child--an enigma in diagnosis

Clear cell ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumour with aggressive behaviour usually noticed in 6th decade of life. It is histologically characterized by an ameloblastomatous component intermixed with an extensive clear cell component. Here is a case report of an unusual occurrence in a 5-year-old child. The rarity of this tumour and young age of the patient are some of the rare features, which need documentation. The importance of its diagnosis and various differential diagnoses are discussed.