Benign reactive lymphadenopathy associated with submandibular gland enlargement during orthodontic treatment

Lymphadenopathy may be caused due to various reasons, most common being infections, neoplasms and immunologic disorders. Considering the frequent use of biomaterials in dentistry, it is not uncommon to find allergic reactions in the oral mucosa. Delayed-type hypersensitivity is one mechanism of allergy, which may manifest as either contact stomatitis or rarely present as only lymphadenopathy. An unusual case of unilateral submandibular gland swelling with associated lymphadenopathy during orthodontic treatment is reported. The processes followed in the differential diagnosis of the condition have been elucidated. Delayed hypersensitivity as a possible causative factor has been discussed. The article highlights the possibility of such conditions manifesting at any time during orthodontic therapy.

c-Myc oncogene expression in selected odontogenic cysts and tumors: An immunohistochemical study

Aim:

To investigate the role of c-Myc oncogene in selected odontogenic cysts and tumors.

Materials and Methods:

Ten cases each of ameloblastoma, adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT), odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), dentigerous cyst, and radicular cyst were selected and primary monoclonal mouse anti-human c-Myc antibody was used in a dilution of 1: 50. Statistical Analysis was performed using Mann Whitney U test.

Results:

80% positivity was observed in ameloblastoma, AOT and OKC; 50% positivity in radicular cyst and 20% positivity in dentigerous cyst. Comparison of c-Myc expression between ameloblastoma and AOT did not reveal significant results. Similarly, no statistical significance was observed when results of OKC were compared with ameloblastoma and AOT. In contrast, significant differences were seen on comparison of dentigerous cyst with ameloblastoma and AOT and radicular cyst with AOT.

Conclusion:

From the above data we conclude that (1) Ameloblastoma and AOT have similar proliferative potential and their biologic behavior cannot possibly be attributed to it. (2) OKC has an intrinsic growth potential which is absent in other cysts and reinforces its classification as keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

Neoplastic potential of odontogenic cysts

Odontogenic cysts and tumors are distinct entities and quite a common occurrence in the jaw bones. The lining of odontogenic cysts shows a potential for neoplastic transformation to non odontogenic malignancies like squamous cell carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and odontogenic tumors like ameloblastoma and adenoamatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT). AOT is a benign, epithelial odontogenic tumor, common site being the anterior maxilla. Its origin from a dentigerous cyst and in the mandible is rare. A case of an AOT arising from a dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted permanent mandibular left lateral incisor is reported.