Benign and malignant neoplasms of the periodontium

Diffuse gingival hypertrophied Kaposi sarcoma as an initial presentation of HIV Infection

Kaposi sarcoma is an indolent angio-proliferative spindle- cell tumor derived from endothelial and immune cells infected with Human herpes virus type 8(HHV-8). In the era of highly active antiretroviral (HAART), Kaposi sarcoma is a rare form of initial presentation of HIV infection [1]. The author presents a case of diffuse gingival hypertrophied Kaposi sarcoma in 18-year-old male newly diagnosed RVI patient. After confirming the diagnosis patient started on HAART and mouth care. Surgical excision is the first line of treatment with HAART, since this patient has low CD4 count of 30 cells/mm3 which will complicate the surgery. So, we are waiting for CD4 count to increase above 200 cells/mm3 to undergo surgical excision. The case is representative of HIV complexity and aimed to bring awareness of unusual presentation of HIV.This case also reminds us how important early initiation of HAART is.

Osseous mass in a maxillary sinus of an adult male from the 16th-17th-century Spain: Differential diagnosis

OBJECTIVE

To undertake a differential diagnosis of a large mass found in the left maxillary sinus of a cranium dated to the 16th-17th-century, and to expand knowledge of the diagnosis of osseous tissue formation in osteoarchaeological studies.

MATERIAL

A cranium recovered from the cemetery of San Salvador de Palat de Rey church, León (Spain).

METHODS

Macroscopic analysis, CT scanning.

RESULTS

Macroscopic analysis indicated that the individual was probably a male over 30 years old with an ossified mass in the left maxillary sinus, measuring 24 × 19 × 24 mm, occupying approximately 27 % of the maxillary antrum. Computed tomography revealed a well-demarcated radiolucent unilocular mass with some radiopaque areas, with no communication with the alveoli of the premolars or molars. No erosive lesions or signs of inflammation were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Neither the macroscopic, nor the radiological characteristics are compatible with inflammatory or malignant pathology, favoring a diagnosis of ossifying fibroma.

SIGNIFICANCE

This case adds to the few reported cases in the osteoarchaeological literature, especially since there is limited relevant reference data to assist diagnosis. The CT scans and 3D reconstruction presented here facilitate differential diagnosis in future paleopathological studies.

LIMITATIONS

Destructive methods were not authorized.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

In the future, micro-CT analysis, which was not performed in the current study, may add new and valuable information.

Gingival enlargements: Differential diagnosis and review of literature

Gingival enlargement is one of the frequent features of gingival diseases. However due to their varied presentations, the diagnosis of these entities becomes challenging for the clinician. They can be categorized based on their etiopathogenesis, location, size, extent, etc. Based on the existing knowledge and clinical experience, a differential diagnosis can be formulated. Subsequently, after detailed investigation, clinician makes a final diagnosis or diagnosis of exclusion. A perfect diagnosis is critically important, since the management of these lesions and prevention of their recurrence is completely dependent on it. Furthermore, in some cases where gingival enlargement could be the primary sign of potentially lethal systemic diseases, a correct diagnosis of these enlargements could prove life saving for the patient or at least initiate early treatment and improve the quality of life. The purpose of this review article is to highlight significant findings of different types of gingival enlargement which would help clinician to differentiate between them. A detailed decision tree is also designed for the practitioners, which will help them arrive at a diagnosis in a systematic manner. There still could be some lesions which may present in an unusual manner and make the diagnosis challenging. By knowing the existence of common and rare presentations of gingival enlargement, one can keep a broad view when formulating a differential diagnosis of localized (isolated, discrete, regional) or generalized gingival enlargement.

Conflation of gingival overgrowth and schwannoma

The authors describe a seminal case report of a 10-year-old boy with enlarged gingivae in relation to his maxillary anterior teeth. The lesion, provisionally diagnosed as idiopathic gingival enlargement, was completely excised and divided into two sections. The histological and immunohistochemical findings in one of the sections showed it to be characteristic of schwannoma while the other section showed indications of idiopathic gingival enlargement. The patient has been followed up carefully and no recurrence has been noted.

Intraosseous ameloblastoma with a prominent extraosseous component: pitfalls in diagnosis

For many years, gingival tumors of what appear to be peripherally located intraosseous ameloblastoma (IA) arising from the alveolar bone surface have often been confused with peripheral ameloblastoma (PA) causing resorption of the underlying bone. We analyzed a series of five cases of ameloblastoma that demonstrated a combined PA and IA architecture. The tumor commonly involved the anterior-premolar area, mostly in the maxilla and mainly in middle-aged men. The clinical presentation was an exophytic gingival mass inferior to which was a small bone defect. The predominant extraosseous component showed a papillary gross surface, reflecting the histologic proof of fusion between the submucosal tumor and the surface epithelium. In addition to the PA-like growth pattern, common to all was the presence of neoplastic destruction of the alveolar process, corresponding to an associated radiolucent lesion. This restrained component was acceptable as IA. In two cases, recurrence was observed deep in the alveolar bone with no involvement of the gingiva. These tumors appear to be IA that arose from the marginal alveolar bone and grew preferentially in the gingiva, forming a PA-like appearance. From diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic points of view, this type of IA should not be confused with PA.

Localized gingival enlargement associated with alveolar process expansion: peripheral ossifying fibroma coincident with central odontogenic fibroma

BACKGROUND

Despite the common occurrence of localized gingival enlargements, which often represent reactive lesions, the temporal and spatial association of such a lesion with a central jaw lesion has not been reported. The purpose of this case report is to present the exceptional combination of a peripheral ossifying fibroma and a central odontogenic fibroma. The differential diagnosis and management of each lesion is reviewed.

METHODS

A 45-year-old black female presented with a chief complaint of a painless protuberance in the left mandible of 1-year duration. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed a gingival enlargement localized between teeth #21 and #23 and a multilocular radiolucent lesion with radiopaque foci in the same area. Excisional biopsy of the gingival lesion and incisional biopsy of the central lesion were performed, and specimens were submitted for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

Biopsy of the gingival lesion revealed stratified squamous epithelium and highly cellular fibroblastic component presenting central areas of calcification, features consistent with a diagnosis of peripheral ossifying fibroma. The central lesion was characterized by cellular fibrous tissue admixed with rests of odontogenic epithelium and few calcification areas, features consistent with a diagnosis of central odontogenic fibroma/World Health Organization type. Subsequently, the central lesion was enucleated. After 1-year follow-up, no recurrence has been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a rare central lesion with a common gingival lesion may present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Clinician awareness regarding the possibility of such a combined presentation and its implications will help to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.