Treatment of Oral Mucosal Lesions by Scalpel Excision and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane Grafting: A Review of 26 Sites

PURPOSE

One of the preferred treatment options for oral mucosal lesions (eg, leukoplakia and lichen planus) is excision, with or without the use of a coverage agent. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes are popular fibrin scaffolds with entrapped platelets that release various growth factors and cytokines to support and enhance wound healing. The aim of the present report was to describe the technique, postoperative wound care, and clinical results of PRF membrane grafting after excision of superficial potentially malignant oral lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Autologous PRF membrane was fabricated and grafted over 26 wounds created by excision of small, superficial, potentially malignant lesions of oral mucosa (or fiberotomy in cases of oral submucous fibrosis) and assessed clinically at 7, 15, 30, and 60 days.

RESULTS

Healing was satisfactory in all cases, with minimal and manageable complication at 1 site.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that PRF membrane is a successful coverage agent that aids in the healing of superficial oral mucosal wounds. Additional comparative studies are required to establish its efficacy compared with that of other agents.

Surgical management of the odontogenic keratocyst: A 20-year experience

The objective of this study was to describe the authors' long-term experience with the management of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs). All OKC cases treated at the study centre between 1999 and 2015, with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up by December 2019, were reviewed retrospectively. Operative procedures including decompression/marsupialization, enucleation (E), E+Carnoy's solution (CS), E+CS+peripheral ostectomy (PO), and resection were assessed for complete resolution, partial resolution, and recurrence rates. In the parakeratinized non-syndromic group, E+CS+PO resulted in the lowest recurrence rate among the minimally invasive procedures (4.3%), while enucleation resulted in the highest rate (60%). Regarding the other modalities, recurrence was 12.5% for decompression, 11.5% for marsupialization, 16.7% for E+CS, 26.7% for E+PO, and 0% for resection. In the syndromic group, marsupialization resulted in a significantly higher recurrence (23.1%), while E+CS+PO cases showed no recurrence. No recurrence was observed in the orthokeratinized group patients treated with marsupialization or with E+CS. Based on clinico-radiographic features and observed results, it is concluded that OKC, although having a high recurrence rate, is a benign lesion and responds well to conservative procedures in most cases. Radical procedures should be reserved for unresponsive lesions and those with extensive tissue destruction.

Fungal osteomyelitis of maxillofacial bones: Rare presentation

Osteomyelitis is defined as inflammation of the medullary cavities, haversian system and adjacent cortex of bone. Osteomyelitis involving maxilla is quite rare when compared to that of mandible. Fungal osteomyelitis is very rarely seen and documented in the maxillofacial area. It is devastating to patients if it is invasive in nature. A prospective study was undertaken from December 2011 to December 2013. Biopsied hard tissue bits were decalcified and sections were stained with H&E, periodic acid Schiff and Grocott methenamine silver. Culture sensitivity was carried out in all cases. Surgical intervention followed by antifungal therapy was advocated to treat the patients. The current series showed five cases of fungal osteomyelitis which included candidal osteomyelitis, aspergillosis and mucormycosis with slight predominance of maxilla over mandible. Osteomyelitis of facial bones needs to be investigated thoroughly as there is no difference in clinical presentation between bacterial and fungal osteomyelitis. The diagnostic workup with biopsy and culture sensitivity helps to identify the pathogen at the earliest. Appropriate antifungal treatment needs to be advocated for successful treatment.

Case series on vascular malformation and their review with regard to terminology and categorization

Malformations of vascular nature originate as anomalies caused due to errors in vasculogenesis. These tumors are generally broadly classified into vascular tumors (hemangiomas) and vascular malformations (venous malformations, arteriovenous malformations, lymphatic malformations). These descriptive tumors and malformations have been categorized based on the architectural assembly of vessels. Lymphangiomas are further subclassified microscopically into capillary, cavernous, cystic and lymphangioendothelioma, depending upon their histopathological features. Lymphatic malformations or lymphangiomas are uncommon congenital malformations of the lymphatic system, usually occurring in the head and neck region, characterized by collections of ectatic lymph vessels that form endothelial lined cystic spaces. Advancements in the knowledge of pathogenesis of such vascular malformations are continuously changing their treatment protocols. Early recognition is of utmost importance for initiation of proper treatment and avoiding serious complications. Hemangiolymphangioma is a variant of lymphangioma showing vascular component. Herewith, we present a case of vascular malformation diagnosed as hemangiolymphangioma histopathologically in a 9-year-old girl, along with a review of literature regarding its categorization.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst of the Jaws: Clinicopathological Study

AIM

The aim of the present study was to analyze clinical, radiological and histopathological features of aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) of jaws.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Archival data from 2009 to 2012 present in the Oral Pathology Department was retrieved and clinicopathological features of all the cases which had been previously diagnosed as ABC were analyzed in detail.

RESULTS

Seven cases ranging in age from 10 to 50 years were included, in which maximum (5/7) cases were below 20 years. Ratio of presentation of lesion in male to female and in maxilla to mandible was 3:6 and 1:6 respectively. Swelling and pain were the most common presenting features. Variable presentation of the lesion was observed radiographically; although multilocular, well defined, bone expansion and perforation were the most common observations. Histopathological analysis revealed association of one case with ossifying fibroma and two cases with trabecular variety of juvenile ossifying fibroma. Predominance of solid variety was noted and other features like stroma, giant cells, nature of blood vessels, bone destruction and perforation and presence of any osteoid or calcified material was also accounted for. The current study showed association of two cases with trabecular variety of juvenile ossifying fibroma, which is a rare finding.

CONCLUSION

ABCs of jaws, thus have varying patterns of presentation which are diagnostically challenging. A thorough examination of the incisional/excisional tissue is thus required to confirm the association with any other lesion which will affect the treatment plan for the patient.

Classifying odontogenic keratocysts as benign cystic neoplasms: a molecular insight into its aggressiveness

OBJECTIVE

The present study was conducted with the aim to evaluate the expression of p53 in Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) and Ameloblastoma to correlate with the aggressiveness of these lesions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed using anti-p53 antibody in eighteen cases each of OKC and ameloblastoma.

RESULTS

p53 positivity was seen in all the cases of OKCs and ameloblastomas. p53 positive cells were seen predominantly in the suprabasal cell layer of OKC and in the peripheral pre-ameloblast like cells in ameloblastoma. Total p53 count was significantly higher in ameloblastoma as compared to OKC. But the intensely stained p53 cell count showed no statistically significant difference between the two lesions.

CONCLUSION

The high p53 expression in OKC when compared with ameloblastoma, acknowledges OKC as an aggressive lesion and hence a more aggressive treatment modality is recommended.

Altered expression of HSP70 in oral lichen planus

Background:

Oral lichen planus (OLP), a well-known mucocutaneous lesion has been the center of debate regarding its obscure etiopathogenesis. Recent highlight has been placed on the role of autoimmunity and a sect of constitutional molecules, the native chaperones HSP70, proposed to be important in the onset and progress of disease.

Aim:

To substantiate a potential role of HSP70 in the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus.

Settings and Design:

The study involved immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses in a laboratory under monitored conditions. It was a retrospective study on clinically and histopathologically confirmed specimens.

Materials and Methods:

30 samples of confirmed cases of OLP were selected and grouped on the basis of the thickness of the epithelial layer into atrophic, normal (classical) and acanthotic. An immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of HSP70 protein was done, followed by a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the stained layers.

Statistical Analyses:

A Z test was performed to estimate the difference observed between two sample proportions. The statistics was given at 1% level of significance i.e. P<0.01.

Results:

An increased expression of HSP70 was noted in the basal and suprabasal cells of the epithelium of OLP. A higher count and intensity of HSP70 expression was seen in the basal layer of the epithelium. Greater expression was noted in the epithelium of the atrophic group.

Conclusion:

The expression pattern of HSP70 positively implicates it in the pathogenesis of OLP.

Infiltrating lipomatosis of the face: A case series

Infiltrating lipomatosis of the face is a very rare entity which is characterized by the collection of non-encapsulated mature adipocytes infiltrating local tissues, resulting in craniofacial deformities. Psychomotor development of the patients is normal, esthetics often being the primary concern to seek treatment. The presentation is always unilateral with hypertrophy of hard and soft structures on the affected side of the face. The pathogenesis of the condition is unclear. This condition shows a wide phenotypic range, uncertain prognosis with high rates of recurrence after surgery, and variable post-op cosmetic improvement. The condition shows no gender predilection, with most of the cases presenting in and beyond the second decade of life. Here, we present a series of four cases presenting in varying age groups with history of recurrence in three cases.

A novel approach for extracting DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue using microwave

Background

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue is the gold standard procedure for tissue preservation. However, the extraction of DNA is a cumbersome procedure as the extracted DNA is fragmented because of the cross-linking effect of formalin. Hence, the aim of the present study is to extract DNA from FFPE tissues using different techniques with a specific objective of comparing the extracted DNA, both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Method

Ten samples of FFPE tissues were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Pathology. Total genomic DNA was extracted by different methods which included QIAamp DNA FFPE Tissue Kit, Norgen DNA FFPE Tissue Kit, phenol-chloroform method, mineral oil-based extraction, M/10 NaOH solution method, and microwave method. A 280-base pair sequence was selected for evaluation of downstream amplification.

Results

The statistical analysis was performed using unpaired student's t-test to compare the DNA yields and quality obtained by microwave methods with other methods using SPSS software. Total genomic DNA retrieved by the microwave method was superior to other methods both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Conclusion

DNA extraction from FFPE tissues is an onerous task as irreversible bonds form between the nucleic acid during fixation which are difficult to break during DNA retrieval. Hence, the microwave method provides good total genomic DNA which gives better downstream results when compared with other methods.

Post endodontic Aspergillosis in an immunocompetent individual

Non-invasive aspergillosis in immunocompetent individuals subsequent to post endodontic treatment can involve the maxillary antrum. An early and accurate diagnosis will aid in prompt and effective treatment. A 35 year old female patient reported with a painful nasomaxillary swelling. Previous records revealed the failure of the endodontic treatment of maxillary left second premolar which was subsequently extracted. Root piece was accidently left behind which resulted in a painful nasomaxillary swelling. The extraction socket was curetted and tissue was sent for histopathological examination, which revealed abundant septate fungal hyphae with numerous spores characteristic of Aspergillus. The patient showed marked improvement in the symptoms with systemic itraconazole at 3 months follow up and complete resolution occurred within 6 months. Inclusion of aspergilloma infections in the differential diagnosis is advocated when patients present with post-endodontic nasomaxillary swelling.

Key words:Aspergillosis, fungal sinusitis, post root canal treatment.

Rare pediatric presentation of aneurysmal bone cyst with trabecular juvenile ossifying fibroma and ossifying fibroma

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign intraosseous lesion characterized by blood filled spaces of varying sizes associated with a fibroblastic stroma containing multinucleated giant cells, osteoid and woven bone. ABC can present either singly or in association with osseous neoplasms such as ossifying fibroma (OF), giant cell granuloma etc. Juvenile ossifying fibroma has two variants: psammomatoid JOF (PJOF) and trabecular JOF (TJOF). ABC formation in TJOF is very rare in pediatric patients with only three cases reported in literature till date to the best of our knowledge. We hereby report three pediatric cases of ABC, two of which were associated with TJOF and one associated with OF.

Assessment of Interleukin-18 gene polymorphism and serum levels in oral lichen planus in an Indian population

BACKGROUND

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, inflammatory disease with uncertain etiology. The aim of this study was to assess Interleukin-18 (IL-18) gene polymorphism and serum levels in OLP cases of Indian origin and to compare them with a control population of similar background.

METHODS

The assessment of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IL-18 gene at promoter regions -137(G/C) and -607(C/A) was done in 70 OLP cases and 70 healthy controls using sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR). In a subset of this cohort, comprising of 41 OLP cases and 41 controls, serum IL-18 levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Mean serum levels of IL-18 among OLP cases were significantly higher when compared to controls. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of IL-18 at position -137(G/C) showed that GG genotype and allele G was significantly higher in OLP cases, whereas, GC genotype and C allele was high in the control group. Polymorphism of IL-18 at position -607(C/A) showed no significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene polymorphism at -137GG genotype and allele G seems to be associated with genetic susceptibility to OLP whereas -137GC and allele C may have a protective role against its development. However, our study lacks clear statistical correlation, the differences observed could be caused by sampling problems and the results could not be fully representative of Indian patients with OLP. Further studies are warranted to explore the role of IL-18 genetic polymorphisms in OLP development.

Ghost cells unveiled: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Ghost cells (GCs) are cells with distinct intracytoplasmic keratinization, which leads to the preservation of the cellular outline with a clear area corresponding to the previous nucleus location. GCs may show various patterns, such as degeneration, tissue granulation, and calcification. Their true nature and the mechanism regulating the conversion of odontogenic epithelial cells into GCs remain unclear. GC keratinization is different from normal keratinization as they are larger than keratotic squames, are frequently vacuolated, and have prominent nuclear membrane remnants. Few cystic lesions, odontogenic tumors, and non-odontogenic tumors, such as calcifying odontogenic cyst, craniopharyngioma, pilomatrixoma, odontoma, dentinogenic ghost cell tumor, and ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma, exhibit GCs as a typical feature. The Wnt and Notch signaling pathways play a role in the histogenesis of the neoplasms.

HIGHLIGHT

The review clarifies the various proposed hypotheses of the histogenesis of GCs, including molecular pathogenesis. Diagnostic workup for the identification of GCs, including special staining and immunohistochemistry, has been extensively discussed. A stepwise algorithm for identifying odontogenic and non-odontogenic lesions containing GCs has been proposed. Additionally, the prognostic role of GCs in the lesions has been elucidated.

CONCLUSION

Among the various hypotheses of the origin of GCs, we suggest that aberrant keratinization is the most accepted based on various immunohistochemical studies and special staining characteristics. GCs are a distinct characteristic entity of many odontogenic and non-odontogenic lesions; however, it remains controversial whether their presence has any pathognomonic role in the biological nature of these lesions.

Association of Macrophages With Angiogenesis in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia, Oral Verrucous Carcinoma, and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study

The present study aimed to elucidate the role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and angiogenesis in tumor progression by assessing their immunohistochemical expression in oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), oral verrucous carcinoma (OVC), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). About 20 histopathologically confirmed cases of OED, OVC, and OSCC each and 10 cases of normal oral mucosa taken as controls were stained immunohistochemically using CD68 and CD31 antibodies. The average TAM count and the microvessel density (MVD) were calculated for each group and expressed as mean±SD and compared using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Pearson correlation was applied to assess the correlation between TAM and MVD in different groups. The CD68 count was found to be significantly higher in all the groups as compared with controls, with the highest counts in OSCC, followed by OED and OVC. MVD was significantly higher in all the test groups as compared with controls. The increase in MVD was highly significant in OSCC as compared with OVC, and in OVC as compared with OED. No association could be determined between TAM and MVD. There does not seem to be any direct influence of macrophages on angiogenesis in the microenvironment of OED, OVC, and OSCC.

Leukoplakia of buccal mucosa with transformation into spindle cell carcinoma: A rare case report

Spindle cell carcinoma (SpCC), a variant of squamous cell carcinoma, is a biphasic malignant neoplasm that occurs mainly in the upper aerodigestive tract. It is uncommon in oral cavity, accounting for <1% of all tumors in oral cavity. Furthermore, it is uncommon for oral potentially malignant disorders such as leukoplakia to undergo transformation into SpCC. In this paper, we are reporting a case of SpCC of buccal mucosa in a 35-year-old female who was previously diagnosed with oral leukoplakia past 6 months.

Cemento-osseous dysplasia: Clinicopathological spectrum of 10 cases analyzed in a tertiary dental institute

Background:

Cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) is a distinct entity, which is confined to the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws or edentulous alveolar processes.

Aims:

This study analyzes the demographic, clinical, radiographic and histopathological features of COD.

Materials and Methods:

Archival data from 2013 to 2017 present in the Department of Oral Pathology were retrieved. Clinicopathological and radiological features of all the cases which had been previously diagnosed as COD were analyzed in detail.

Results:

In the present study, 10 cases of COD were analyzed (1 periapical, 6 florid and 3 focal). Equal sex predilection was observed. The mean age in females and males was 42.6 years (22–64 years) and 28.6 years (17–36 years), respectively. Bony expansion was seen frequently, but pain was not a common feature. Mandible was affected almost twice as frequently as maxilla and posterior region was affected more than anterior region. Most cases showed mixed radiopaque and radiolucent lesion (5/10) and peripheral radiolucent rim (9/10) on radiographic examination. Histopathological features included the presence of curvilinear trabeculae (4/10), sheets of compact bone (3/10) or both (3/10). Foci of mineralization in form of ossicles or cementicles were noted in 5 out of 10 cases.

Conclusion:

COD is a nonneoplastic process usually confined to the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws or edentulous alveolar processes. Depending on the location and extent, it can be either focal/periapical/florid variant. Histopathological features of COD can overlap with other fibro-osseous lesions. Hence, the correlation of clinical, radiological and histopathological features is of paramount importance in the accurate diagnosis of COD.

Sarcomatoid Carcinoma: A Clinicopathological Profile of Two Cases with Diagnostic Emphasis

Sarcomatoid carcinoma (SC) is an unusual and aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma, which frequently recurs and metastasizes, and is associated with poor survival rate. For this reason, its accurate diagnosis is very important. It is considered to be a biphasic tumor made up of epithelial as well as spindle cell component, but of epithelial origin. The diagnosis often represents a clinicopathologic challenge, and immunohistochemistry plays a key role in the histopathological diagnosis. The reported cases in oral cavity are limited. Here, we present two cases of SC where the use of immunohistochemistry allowed us to achieve a conclusive diagnosis.

Unicystic ameloblastoma in 3 year old paediatric patient - A rare entity

Unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) is a benign epithelial odontogenic tumor of the jaws that commonly occurs in 2nd and 3rd decade of life. In fact, this entity is rare in children under 12 years of age. It is characterised as a distinct variant of ameloblastoma, exhibiting a less aggressive behaviour and a lower rate of recurrence than solid conventional ameloblastoma. There are very few reported cases of UA occurring in children below five years of age. The purpose of this case report is to describe a case of UA involving the crown of an unerupted maxillary second premolar in a 3 year old girl. The pathogenesis, clinical appearance, radiographic presentation, histological findings and management of the tumour have also been discussed.

A Unique Presentation of Gingival Melanoacanthoma: Case Report and Review of Literature

Melanoacanthoma is a benign, deeply pigmented condition of the oral mucosa characterized by the proliferation of melanocytes and keratinocytes. A 60-year-old male, with no history of systemic diseases or medical treatment, presented with an asymptomatic diffuse pigmentation involving the maxillary and mandibular gingiva. The histopathology of the anomalous pigmented area was analyzed and the dendritic melanocytes expressed positively for Masson-Fontana, S-100, and HMB-45. The clinical and microscopic findings were indicative of melanoacanthoma. Depigmentation with a diode laser was performed in the areas of esthetic concern. A regular periodic screening was done to rule out any alteration in color, size, and shape. A one-year follow-up disclosed no new lesions. The observations noted in this case are rare, and our literature review identified only a single previously documented case of gingival melanoacanthoma in the Indian subpopulation.

Calcifying ghost cell odontogenic tumor (CGCOT) with predominance of clear cells: a case report with important diagnostic considerations

An 18-year-old female reported painful swelling in the left maxillary region 4 months after the extraction of tooth #15. Because incisional biopsy suggested ameloblastoma with clear-cell changes, segmental resection was performed. The microscopic examination of the excised tissue revealed histomorphologic diversity, with features of typical calcifying ghost cell odontogenic tumor (CGCOT) and a significant clear-cell component constituting more than 50% of the tumor mass without any features of malignancy. Clear cells were periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive and mucicarmine negative. CK19 was strongly positive in the solid tumor islands and variably positive in clear cells. A definitive diagnosis of CGCOT with predominance of clear cells was confirmed. Because both squamous metaplasia and clear-cell components were present in the ameloblastic follicles independent of each other, the presence of abundant calcifications favored the diagnosis of CGCOT with a clear-cell component over that of an ameloblastoma with clear-cell changes. The importance of identifying the histomorphologic features of the 2 entities, ameloblastoma and CGCOT, is highlighted. This appears to be the second case reported in the literature, to the best of our knowledge.

Glandular odontogenic cyst: Series of five cases

Introduction:

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a clinically rare and histopathologically unusual type of developmental odontogenic cyst with unpredictable and potentially aggressive behaviour.

Materials and Methods:

Archival data of cases histopathologically identified as GOC were analyzed from the Department of Oral Pathology over the past six years. The clinical, radiographic, histopathological features and treatment were evaluated. Special stains such as periodic acid Schiff, mucicarmine along with immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 19 were employed to confirm the histopathological diagnosis.

Results:

The study indicated a strong female predilection with slightly more number of cases found in maxilla than mandible. Most cases showed a well defined multilocular radiolucency. The microscopic features which aid in its differentiation from its mimickers such as central mucoepidermoid carcinoma, lateral periodontal cyst, dentigerous cyst and botryoid odontogenic cyst which were observed included presence of variable thickness of the lining epithelium, epithelial plaques and whorls, hobnail cells, ciliated cells, clear cells and goblet cells.

Conclusion:

The present case series aims to throw light on the clinical, radiographic and microscopic features of GOC, which may aid in its definitive diagnosis in problematic cases.