A Case of Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma of the Maxillary Sinus Presented with Intraoral Extension

Melanoma of the sinonasal cavity has a high incidence of amelanotic presentation. Its diagnosis is difficult for clinicians and pathologists because of its hidden location and lack of pigmentation at the microscopic level. We reported a case of amelanotic melanoma of the maxillary sinus that showed aggressive extension to the oral cavity after extraction of the maxillary tooth. Histologically, the lesion resembled a plasmacytoid tumour. Diagnosis was made through the positive immunohistochemical staining for S100 and HMB-45.

Anomalous Bilateral Communication between the Inferior Alveolar Nerve and the Auriculotemporal Nerve: A Rare Variation

Branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve show various anomalous communications in the infratemporal region. Understanding such communication has relevance in the management of neuropathies and surgical procedures in this region. This study was conducted to explore such communicating branches, anticipating that they might provide information of clinical significance. A total of 15 human cadavers (30 infratemporal regions) were studied to explore such communicating branches in infratemporal region. The branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve were carefully dissected, and these branches were studied and analysed for any abnormal course. In one case, a rare type of bilateral communication between the auriculotemporal nerve and the inferior alveolar nerve, forming a loop with no association with any structure, was observed. It is possible that such communicating branches may be associated with delayed regression of the first arch vessels. The clinical implications of these anomalous communications require further detailed study for improved management of neuropathies and surgical procedures.