Malignant tumors affecting the head and neck region in ancient times: Comprehensive study of the CRAB Database

Abstract In the modern world, cancer is a growing cause of mortality, but archeological studies have shown that it is not exclusive to modern populations. The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiologic, social, and clinicopathologic features of head and neck cancers in ancient populations. To do this, we extracted all records that described malignant lesions in the head and neck region available in the Cancer Research in Ancient Bodies Database (CRAB). The estimated age, sex, physical condition of the remains (skeletonized, mummified), anatomic location of tumors, geographic location, chronology, tumor type, and methods of tumor diagnosis were collected. One hundred and sixty-seven cases were found, mostly originating from Europe (51.5%). Most records were of adults between 35 and 49 years of age (37.7%). The most involved site was the skullcap (60.4%), and the most common malignancies were metastases to the bone (65.3%) and multiple myeloma (17.4%). No primary soft tissue malignancies were registered. The results of our study indicate that head and neck cancers were present in ancient civilizations, at least since 500,000 BCE. The available data can help to improve the current understanding of the global distribution of head and neck cancer and its multidimensional impacts on populations in the contemporary world.

Subjective oral health measures in caregivers of patients with autism spectrum disorder and down syndrome: a preliminary study

This study aimed to address the subjective oral health measures of caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Down syndrome. This cross-sectional study included 15 caregivers of individuals with ASD (n = 7) and Down syndrome (n = 8). Sociodemographic data, sense of coherence (SOC) (SOC-13 scale), social support (Social Support Scale [MOS-SSS]), oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) (OHIP-14), and self-rated oral health assessed on a 5-point Likert scale were collected. A descriptive analysis was performed in addition to correlation analyses (Spearman correlation coefficient). Most primary caregivers were parents of the individual (86.6%). The age of the caregivers ranged between 40 and 59 years (60%). Most caregivers have had 9 to 11 years of education (53.3%). Monthly family income was less than USD 186,28 for ASD caregivers (57.2%) and between USD 327,56 and USD 931,40 for Down syndrome caregivers (50%). Of the caregivers, 33.3% reported good oral health and 33.3% reported neither good nor bad. The average SOC score, social support and OHRQoL was 48.9, 69.3 and 10.9, respectively. The higher the family income, the better the OHRQoL (rs = -0.62, p = 0.014). SOC was correlated with the score of the emotional support domain (rs = 0.54, p = 0.039). It was concluded that caregivers had a strong SOC and high perceived support. Moreover, caregivers did not report a high impact on OHRQoL A better understanding of the caregivers' protective and coping factors in caring for individuals with disabilities may better promote their quality of life.

Contribution of public oral pathology services to the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories (OMPLs) in Brazilian public universities to the diagnosis of lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A cross-sectional study was performed using biopsy records from a consortium of sixteen public OMPLs from all regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South). Clinical and demographic data of patients diagnosed with lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCC between 2010 and 2019 were collected from the patients' histopathological records. Of the 120,010 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (2010-2019), 6.9% (8,321 cases) were diagnosed as lip (0.8%, 951 cases), oral cavity (4.9%, 5,971 cases), and oropharyngeal (1.2%, 1,399 cases) SCCs. Most cases were from Brazil's Southeast (64.5%), where six of the OMPLs analyzed are located. The predominant profile of patients with lip and oral cavity SCC was Caucasian men, with a mean age over 60 years, low schooling level, and a previous history of heavy tobacco consumption. In the oropharyngeal group, the majority were non-Caucasian men, with a mean age under 60 years, had a low education level, and were former/current tobacco and alcohol users. According to data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, approximately 9.9% of the total lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCCs reported over the last decade in Brazil may have been diagnosed at the OMPLs included in the current study. Therefore, this data confirms the contribution of public OMPLs with respect to the important diagnostic support they provide to the oral healthcare services extended by the Brazilian Public Health System.

Synchronous jawbone diseases: a multicenter retrospective study

Abstract The aim of this study is to report an original case series of synchronous jawbone diseases. Data of patients seen over 13 years were extracted from the files of three Oral Radiology and Pathology diagnostic centers in Brazil. The clinical, radiographic, and laboratory characteristics were tabulated and analyzed by the authors; the patients were described according to lesion type. Seventy-two synchronous jawbone diseases were included in this study. Florid osseous dysplasia, Gorlin-Goltz syndrome, and cherubism were the most frequent disorders reported in this case series. In addition, the posterior mandible area was the main site of manifestation. Florid osseous dysplasia and Gorlin-Goltz syndrome represented two-thirds of our samples. With the utilization of adequate demographic, clinical, and radiologic information, it is possible to diagnose most of the synchronous lesions of jawbones. Sometimes, however, we need complementary exams, such as histopathologic and biochemical analysis or dosing of calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase.

Students' perception to an interactive web-based response system in oral and maxillofacial pathology teaching

Abstract This study evaluated dental students' perceptions and adherence to an interactive web-based response system in the teaching of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Between 2018 and 2019, students from a single Brazilian dental school used the Poll Everywhere® app to answer questions on subjects taught during an Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology course. At the end of the academic semester, the students completed a questionnaire containing 10 questions regarding the app's use. The study included 123 students. Regarding the devices used to answer the questions on the app, 117 (95.1%) students used a smartphone and 3 (2.4%) used a laptop. Almost all students (121; 98.4%) agreed that this interactive web-based response system provided the teacher with a better overview of students' understanding and improved their self-assessment of the acquired knowledge of the subjects. Most students (118; 95.9%) preferred classes using this technology and 122 (99.2%) stated that using the app made them feel more engaged in classes. In addition, all students agreed that the app improved student-teacher interactions. Most students (119; 96.7%) considered the digital interactive method more attractive than the conventional teaching approach, and 99 (80.5%) did not have any negative comments regarding the app. In conclusion, the Poll Everywhere® app provides a more dynamic and attractive educational environment for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology teaching.

Preservation of immunoexpression of type I collagen, BSP and BMP4 in the dentin-pulp complex of head and neck cancer patients after radiotherapy

Abstract This study tested the hypothesis that head and neck radiotherapy (HNRT) impacts the immunoexpression of type I collagen, bone sialoprotein (BSP) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4), thereby leading to micromorphological changes in the dentin-pulp complex (DPC), and promoting the onset and progression of radiation caries (RC). Twenty-two demineralized sections of carious teeth (a group of 11 irradiated teeth and a control group of 11 non-irradiated teeth) extracted from 19 head and neck cancer patients were analyzed by conventional optical microscopy and immunohistochemistry to investigate the micromorphology (cellular layer hierarchy, blood vessels, odontoblasts, fibroblasts, extracellular matrix, calcification, necrosis, reactionary dentin formation, and chronic inflammation), and the patterns of staining/immunolocalization of type I collagen, BSP and BMP4 in the dental pulp of irradiated and control samples. No significant differences attributable to the direct impact of radiotherapy were detected in DPC micromorphology between the groups. In addition, the patterns of immunohistochemical staining and immunolocalization of the proteins studied did not differ between the irradiated and the control samples for type I collagen, BSP or BMP4. This study rejected the hypothesis that HNRT directly damages dentition by changing the organic components and the microstructure of the DPC, ultimately leading to RC.

The need for communication between clinicians and pathologists in the context of oral and maxillofacial diseases

Abstract Good communication between clinicians and pathologists is a vital element in the diagnostic process, and poor communication can adversely affect patient care. There is a lack of research about communication in diagnostic oral and maxillofacial pathology. This narrative review explores different aspects of the quality of communication between clinicians and oral pathologists, with a focus on the diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial diseases. An electronic search was carried out in MEDLINE through the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases up to April 2021. No studies reporting communication, its adequacy or the required skills between clinicians and pathologists in oral diagnosis were found. According to studies published in medicine, strategies for improving communication skills include clinician-pathologist collaboration; a well-formatted, clear and thorough report; training in communication skills; and patient-centered care. Further studies evaluating the current practices and quality in oral and maxillofacial pathology are required to identify barriers and encourage optimal communication to facilitate diagnosis, as well as patient safety.

Causes of death in Brazil: analysis by geographic regions and in the highest populated cities of São Paulo

Aim: In this study we described the causes of mortality in Brazil, its 5 geographic regions, and in the most populated cities of Sao Paulo State in order to contribute for development of prevention and intervention strategies. Methods: Data on causes of death and age distribution of the populations were collected from online public databases and then submitted to the 2001 World Health Organization age standardization of rates for better assessment. Results: Data showed that the main causes of death in Brazil and in all 5 geographic regions were diseases of the circulatory system. Neoplasms were the second most frequent cause of death in Brazil and in 3 regions (South, Southeast and Midwest). However, in the other 2 regions (North and Northeast) the second most common was associated to external causes, being neoplasms the third most often. Additionally, in the South and Southeast the third cause of deaths were from diseases of the respiratory system and from the external causes occupied the fourth position. Analyzing the most populated cities of Sao Paulo State it was observed that all of them have the same profile of the country. On the other hand, as speculated previously, in Piracicaba city, the most common cause of mortality was neoplasm. Conclusions: These findings showed that Brazil has a large spectrum of causes of death and methods to decrease the mortality rates should be implemented in a local scenario rather than a nation-wide approach, where each location has to focus on its most urging problem

Oral carcinoma development after 23 years of renal transplantation

Renal transplant patients are treated with immunosuppressive drugs that decrease the effectiveness of the immune system, making them more prone to developing cancer. Skin and lip carcinomas are common malignancies encountered after transplantation, whereas oral carcinomas are rare. We report the case of a 51-year-old female Caucasian patient, with no history of smoking, who presented white lesions on the tongue and an ulcerated lesion on the lower lip beginning 4 months prior. Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma for both lesions was made following incisional biopsies. Interestingly, the patient reported a renal transplantation 23 years prior, and was maintained on a combination of cyclosporine, mycophenolate sodium and prednisone. The patient also presented a history of several basal and squamous cell carcinomas on sun-exposed areas of the skin. Both lesions were surgically excised. No sign of recurrence or new lesions in the oral cavity have been observed; however, new skin lesions are frequently diagnosed. This case report highlights that oral cancers may occur in transplant patients in the absence of classical risk factors. Thus, clinicians must be aware of the importance of thorough oral examination in transplant patients in routine follow-up.

Furuncular Myiasis Affecting the Lower Lip of a Young Patient

Abstract Furuncular myiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the larvae of Dipteran insects after penetrating healthy skin, causing an erythematous nodule with a central pore. Additionally, the patient may feel a sensation of movement and intermittent pain. Furuncular myiasis affecting the oral and perioral region is rare, usually leading to misdiagnosis. This paper describes a rare case of furuncular myiasis in a 20-year-old healthy male patient who presented an erythematous nodule in the lower lip. An exploratory surgery was indicated for both diagnostic and curative purposes, with successful healing observed in the following appointment. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient is recovered, with no clinical signs or symptoms of the disease.

Resumo A miíase furuncular é uma infecção parasitária causada pelas larvas de insetos Dipterans após penetrar na pele saudável, causando um nódulo eritematoso contendo um poro central. Adicionalmente, uma sensação de movimento e dor intermitente pode ser sentida. Miíase furuncular acometendo a região oral e perioral é rara, frequentemente causando erros diagnósticos. Este artigo descreve um caso raro de miíase furuncular em um paciente do sexo masculino de 20 anos de idade que apresentou um nódulo eritematoso no lábio inferior. Uma cirurgia exploratória foi indicada para fins diagnósticos e curativos, com sucesso observado já na sessão seguinte. Após 3 anos de acompanhamento, o paciente está recuperado, sem sinais clínicos ou sintomas da doença.

cGVHD-Related Caries and Its Shared Features with Other 'Dry-Mouth'-Related Caries

Several systemic diseases and their medical treatment may predispose the development of aggressive dental caries. Head and neck radiotherapy, chemotherapy, Sjögren's syndrome and long-standing treatment with drugs that induce hyposalivation are some of these conditions. The aim of this article is to describe the clinical features of five patients who developed chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) as a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and, in spite of close dental follow-up, subsequently developed rampant caries. In these cases, the restorations showed early failure and the caries still progressed until generalized teeth destruction. The majority of the teeth therefore had to be extracted due to advanced dental caries and rapid clinical progression. Herein the term "cGVHD-related caries" is proposed to describe this under-recognized complication of cancer treatment that may evolve in allo-HSCT recipients that develop cGVHD. This condition is poorly recognized in the literature and may represent the final result of the clustering of oral complications in cGVHD patients, including mucositis, oral pain, hyposalivation, taste loss and oral infections, leading to rampant caries due to impaired oral hygiene and increased intake of highly cariogenic food. Consequently, the knowledge of this oral complication should improve the medical and dental management of cGVHD oral manifestations and improve the quality of life of patients with this post allo-HSCT complication.

Diversas doenças sistêmicas e seus tratamentos podem predispor ao desenvolvimento de cáries dentárias agressivas. A radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço, quimioterapia, síndrome de Sjögren e tratamentos prolongados com as drogas que induzem a hipossalivação são algumas destas condições. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever as características clínicas de cinco pacientes que desenvolveram doença do enxerto contra hospedeiro crônica (DECHc) como uma complicação do transplante alogênico de células-tronco hematopoiéticas (aloTCTH) e, apesar do acompanhamento periódico com dentistas, desenvolveram cáries rampantes. Nestes casos relatados, as restaurações mostraram falhas precoces e as cáries continuaram progredindo até a destruição generalizada dos dentes. A maioria dos dentes, portanto, foi extraída devido à cárie avançada e rápida progressão clínica. Neste artigo, o termo "cáries relacionadas à DECHc" é proposto para descrever esta complicação pouco conhecida do tratamento do câncer, que se manifesta em receptores de TCTH que desenvolvem DECHc. Esta condição é pouco reconhecida na literatura e pode representar o resultado final do agrupamento das complicações bucais em pacientes com DECHc, incluindo mucosite, dor oral, hipossalivação, perda de paladar e infecções orais, levando à cárie rampante devido à dificuldade de higiene oral e aumento da ingestão de alimentos altamente cariogênicos. Por consequência, o conhecimento desta complicação oral deve melhorar os tratamentos médico e odontológico das manifestações bucais da DECHc e melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com esta complicação após o TCTH.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Intralesional Steroid Injection in a Central Giant Cell Granuloma Affecting the Gingiva: A New Clinical Approach

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign jaw lesion predominantly found in the mandible of young female patients with a variable clinical behavior. Although surgical management is regarded as the main treatment modality for this lesion, the use of intralesional injections of steroids has been recently advocated for its treatment. In addition to this conservative management, the use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for diagnosing CGCGs has been proven a safe and efficient approach, especially useful in cases with lesions located in esthetic regions. Herein, it is described a case of CGCG extending to the overlying gingiva of a 15-year-old male patient diagnosed by FNAC and subsequently treated with intralesional injections of a solution of triamcinolone acetonide and ethanolamine oleate that led to an important clinical remission, allowing a more conservative surgical procedure for preservation of gingival esthetics. Therefore, both procedures can be considered as management options for CGCG of the jaws.

O granuloma central de células gigantes (GCCG) é uma lesão benigna dos maxilares predominantemente encontrada na mandíbula de pacientes jovens do sexo feminino com um variado comportamento clínico. Apesar de o manejo cirúrgico representar a principal modalidade terapêutica para esta lesão, o uso de injeções intralesionais de esteróides tem sido recentemente proposto para seu tratamento. Além do manejo conservador, o uso da punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) para o diagnóstico do GCCG tem sido comprovado ser uma abordagem segura e eficiente, especialmente útil em casos de lesões localizadas em regiões estéticas. Descrevemos aqui um caso de GCCG estendendo-se para a gengiva adjacente em um paciente do sexo masculino, 15 anos de idade, diagnosticado por meio da PAAF e subsequentemente tratado com injeções intralesionais de uma solução de acetato de triancinolona e oleato de etanolamina que levou a uma importante remissão clínica, permitindo a realização de uma abordagem cirúrgica conservadora preservando a estética periodontal. Por este motivo, ambos os procedimentos podem ser considerados opções de manejo para o GCCG dos maxilares.

Multidisciplinary Therapy of Extensive Oligodontia: A Case Report

Oligodontia is a rare congenital disorder consisting in the absence of six or more teeth. This case report describes a multidisciplinary treatment approach for a 12-year-old male with absence of 11 permanent teeth. Prior to any procedure, all primary teeth were scheduled for extraction due to poor crown-to-root ratio. The treatment plan comprised two phases: 1. orthodontic and speech therapy aimed at overbite and anterior open bite adjustment, as well as tongue position improvement; and 2. prosthetic treatment by insertion of removable temporary partial dentures. The multidisciplinary treatment involving orthodontics, speech and prosthetic therapies have reestablished the masticatory function and aesthetics, allowing the patient to achieve greater self-esteem and better social acceptance.

Resumo A oligodontia é uma doença rara, congênita, caracterizada pela ausência de seis ou mais dentes. Este relato de caso descreve uma abordagem terapêutica multidisciplinar de um adolescente de 12 anos de idade com ausência de 11 dentes permanentes. Antes de qualquer procedimento, todos os dentes decíduos foram extraídos devido à pobre relação coroa-raiz. O plano de tratamento foi constituído por duas fases: 1. terapia ortodôntica e fonoaudiológica com o objetivo de ajuste de sobre-mordida e mordida aberta anterior, bem como melhoria da posição da língua, e 2. tratamento reabilitador protético através da instalação de próteses parciais removíveis provisórias. A abordagem multidisciplinar envolvendo os tratamentos ortodônticos, fonoaudiológico e protético reestabeleceram a função mastigatória e a estética, melhorando a autoestima e aceitação social do paciente. .

Criterios de evaluación odontológica pre-radioterapia y necesidad de tratamiento de las enfermedades orales post-radioterapia en cabeza y cuello / Pre-radiotherapy dental evaluation criteria and treatment needs of oral side effects after head and neck radiotherapy

El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar criterios de evaluación odontológica pre-radioterapia y cuáles son las principales necesidades de tratamiento de estos pacientes después del tratamiento de radiación. Fueron revisados artículos en inglés, español y portugués entre 1995 y 2009 indexados en Pubmed y Scielo. Las palabras claves fueron: cáncer oral y radioterapia, complicaciones de la radioterapia en cabeza y cuello, evaluación oral pre-radioterapia. Los efectos colaterales de la radioterapia en la región de cabeza y cuello pueden ser temporales o tardíos. Aquellos que son tardíos, como la caries de radiación y la osteorradionecrosis pueden estar directamente relacionados con el hecho de no haber realizado una evaluación odontológica previa y pueden afectar severamente la calidad de vida del paciente.La participación del cirujano-dentista en el equipo multidisciplinario y la evaluación odontológica de los pacientes que serán sometidos a radioterapia en la región de cabeza y cuello son de vital importancia en mejorar la calidad de vida post-operatoria de estos pacientes.

The objective of this review is to present pre-radiotherapy evaluation criteria and the main needs for treatment of these patients after the radiation therapy. Were revised articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese language between 1995 and 2009 indexed in Pubmed and Scielo. The keywords were oral cancer and radiotherapy, complications in head and neck radiotherapy, oral pre-radiotherapy evaluation.The adverse complications of radiotherapy in head and neck area could be temporary or late. The late effects, such as radiation caries and osteorradionecrosis could be directly associated with the fact that previous dental evaluation was not performed and can severely affect the post-operatory quality of life. The participation of the dentist in the multidisciplinary team and dental evaluation of the patients that will receive radiotherapy in the head and neck area are of vital importance to improve the post-operatory quality of life of these patients.

Pénfigo vulgar importancia para el odontólogo en el diagnóstico / Pemphigus vulgaris importance of the dentist in its diagnosis

El pénfigo vulgar es una enfermedad vesiculo ampollar crónica y grave que compromete piel y mucosas. La presencia de anticuerpos antidesmosómicos resulta en la disolución de la sustancia cementante intercelular para la destrucción de los desmosomas que mantienen unidas a las células epiteliales generando una separación intraepitelial característica que ocurre luego arriba de la camada de células basales. El pénfigo vulgar es una condición de revelancia odontológica que si no estratada puede resultar en la muerte del paciente. El compromiso de la cavidad bucal en la mayoria de los casos aliado a la importancia del diagnóstico precoz para el pronóstico y tratamiento, refuerzan la necesidad del conocimiento de esa condición por el odontólogo

Pemphigus vulgaris is a chronic and serious auto-imune vesiculo-bullous disease that affects skin and mucous membrane. Antidesmosomal antibodies dissolve intercellular substance that keeps epithelial cells together, resulting in an intraepithelial blister just above basal epithelial layer. Without treatment, pemphigus vulgaris leads patient to die. The fact that this disorder presents oral manifestation in most cases, in addiction to the relevance of a precocious diagnosis to the success of the treatment and prognosis support the importance of about the knowledge of this disease to dentist's notice

O pênfigo vulgar é uma doença auto-imune, vesículo-bolhosa, crônica e grave, que acomete pele e mucosas. A presença de anticorpos antidesmossômicos resulta na dissolução da substância cimentante intercelular pela destruição dos desmossomos que mantêm unidas as células epiteliais gerando uma separação intra-epitelial característica, que ocorre logo acima da camada de células basais. O pênfigo vulgar é uma condição de relevância odontológica que, se não tratada, pode resultar no óbito do paciente. O acometimento da cavidade bucal na maioria dos casos aliado à importância do diagnóstico precoce para o prognóstico e tratamento reforçam a necessidade do conhecimento dessa condição pelo cirurgiãodentista