Ameloblastic carcinoma of the maxilla: a report of two cases and a review of the literature

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a malignant form of ameloblastoma defined by histological evidence of malignancy in primary, recurrent, or metastatic tumor. Such a tumor is rare, and the maxilla is an unusual site. Due to its rarity, the characteristics of this tumor in the maxilla have not been well described. Case 1: A 55-year-old, ill-appearing Nigerian male presented to our center with left maxillary swelling of seven-year duration. The swelling had been slow-growing and painless until one year prior, when the growth became rapid and was coupled with severe pain. The swelling affected both oral function and facial esthetics, and the patient reported difficulty breathing. There was a maxillary, ulcerated swelling extending from teeth 12 to 18 and blocking the left nostril. The involved teeth were moderately mobile. Case 2: A 32-year-old male farmer presented with recurrent right maxillary swelling of six-year duration. Prior to this episode, he had undergone surgery for ameloblastoma (follicular type). The present swelling was fungating through the skin and protruding into the right nostril. Ameloblastic carcinoma is an aggressive odontogenic tumor that requires aggressive surgical treatment.

Myositis ossificans of the platysma mimicking a malignancy: a case report with review of the literature

The two main forms of myositis ossificans are congenital and acquired. Either form is rare in the head and neck region. The acquired form is often due to trauma, with bullying as a fairly common cause. This report of myositis ossificans of the platysma in an 11-year-old female patient emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion in unexplainable facial swellings in children and the benefit of modern investigative modalities in their management.

Orofacial Soft Tissue Reconstruction with Locoregional Flaps in a Health Resource-Depleted Environment: Experiences from Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of orofacial soft tissue defects is often challenging due to functional and aesthetic demands. Despite advances in orofacial soft tissue defect reconstruction using free flaps, locoregional flaps still remain an important option, especially in health resource-depleted environments. This retrospective study highlights our experiences in oral and maxillofacial soft tissue reconstruction using locoregional flaps. METHODS: A twenty-three years retrospective analysis of all patients managed in our department was undertaken. Information was sourced from patients' case notes and operating theater records. Data was analyzed using SPSS ver. 16 (SPSS Inc.) and Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft). RESULTS: A total of 77 patients underwent orofacial soft tissue defect reconstruction within the years reviewed. Males accounted for 55 (71.4%) cases and trauma was the main etiological factor in 45 (58.4%) of the patients treated. When sites of defect were considered, the lip, 27 (32.1%), was the most frequent site followed by the nose, 17 (20.2%). Forehead flap, 51 (59.3%), was the most commonly used flap. Complications noted were tumor recurrences at the recipient bed in 3 (3.9%) cases, tumor occurrence at the donor site in 1 (1.3%) case and postoperative infection in 11 (14.3%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Locoregional flaps still have an important role in the rehabilitation of patients with orofacial soft tissue defects. They remain a vital tool in the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon, especially in health resource-depleted environments where advanced reconstructive techniques may not be feasible.

10-year retrospective analysis of 64 cases of cystic lesions of the oral and maxillofacial region in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Objectives: Orofacial cysts are broadly divided into odontogenic and nonodontogenic types, epithelial or non-epithelial, and developmental or inflammatory in origin. The odontogenic cyst is an osseous-destructive lesion that most commonly affects the jaw. It is formed by activation of odontogenic cell rests entrapped within the bone or gingival tissue of the jaws, such as the epithelial remains of Malassez, the dental lamina [cell rests of Serres], or the enamel organ

Methods: We performed a retrospective study of all histologically diagnosed cysts of the orofacial region seen at the Maxillofacial clinic of the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, between January 2003 and December 2012

Results: Over the 10-year study period, 64 cases of cystic lesions of the orofacial region were seen in 1162 pathological specimens, representing 5.5%. Of these, there were 35 [54.7%] lesions in males and 29 [45.3%] in females giving a M:F ratio of 1.2:1. The age of the patients ranged from 4-64 years old [mean = 26.3 years]. Dentigerous cyst [n = 21; 32.8%] was the most predominant lesion followed by periodontal [n = 12; 18.8%] and radicular cysts [n = 10; 15.6%]

Conclusions: Cysts of the orofacial region are common in this environment and like previous studies from Nigeria odontogenic cysts are not uncommon, the most predominant being dentigerous cysts

Cervicofacial infection in a Nigerian tertiary health institution: a retrospective analysis of 77 cases

OBJECTIVES: Infection involving the orbit, zygomatic space, lateral pharyngeal space, or hemifacial and oral floor phlegmon is referred to as cervicofacialvinfection (CFI). When diagnosis and/or adequate treatment are delayed, these infections can be life-threatening. Most cases are the result of odontogenic infections. We highlight our experiences in the management of this life-threatening condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of patients who presented with CFI from December 2005 to June 2012 at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic or the Accident and Emergency Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (Zaria, Nigeria). The medical records of all patients who presented with either localized or diffuse infection of the maxillofacial soft tissue spaces were retrospectively collected. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 13.0 and are expressed as descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Of the 77 patients, 49 patients (63.6%) were males, a male to female ratio of 1:7.5. The ages ranged from two years to 75 years with a mean of 35.0+/-19.3 years, although most patients were older than 40 years. The duration of symptoms prior to presentation ranged from 6 to 60 days, with a mean of 11.0+/-9.4 days. More than 90% of the patients presented to the clinic within the first 10 days. The most commonly involved anatomical space was the submandibular space (n=29, 37.7%), followed by hemifacial space (n=22, 28.6%) and buccal space (n=7, 9.1%). Ludwig angina accounted for about 7.8% of the cases. CONCLUSION: CFI most commonly involves the submandibular space, typically affects individuals with a low level of education, and is influenced by traditional medical practices. Despite improved health care delivery, CFI remains a significant problem in developing countries.

Primary oral soft tissue angiosarcoma of the cheek: a case report and literature review

Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor that has a poor prognosis. It represents less than 1% of all malignancies occurring in the oral cavity and salivary glands. We present a 35-year-old male with angiosarcoma of the cheek following traumatic injury and a review of the current literature.

Temporomandibular joint dislocation: experiences from Zaria, Nigeria

OBJECTIVES: Dislocation of the temporomandibular joint may occur for various reasons. Although different invasive methods have been advocated for its treatment, this study highlights the value of non-invasive treatment options even in chronic cases in a resource-poor environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A seven-year retrospective analysis of all patients managed for temporomandibular joint dislocation in our department was undertaken. Patient demographics, risk factors associated with temporomandibular joint dislocation and treatment modalities were retrieved from patient records. RESULTS: In all, 26 patients were managed over a seven-year period. Males accounted for 62% of the patients, and yawning was the most frequent etiological factor. Conservative treatment methods were used successfully in 86.4% of the patients managed. Two (66.7%) of the three patients who needed surgical treatment developed complications, while only one (5.3%) patient who was managed conservatively developed complications. CONCLUSION: Temporomandibular joint dislocation appears to be associated with male sex, middle age, yawning, and low socio-economic status, although these observed relationships were not statistically significant. Non-invasive methods remain an effective treatment option in this environment in view of the low socio-economic status of the patients affected.