Intramandibular plexiform schwannoma presenting as a nonspecific benign lesion: How specific can we be? A case report with a review of the literature

Schwannoma, a benign nerve sheath tumor, is quite rare and more so in jawbones. We report a rare case of a plexiform variant of mandibular schwannoma in a 12-year-old female with a swelling in the left mandible. Clinical features were suggestive of dentigerous cyst as a result of missing premolars and canine. Occlusal and panoramic radiography revealed an osteolytic lesion with scalloping margins, bicortical plate expansion, and agenesis of several teeth. Odontogenic keratocyst, central giant cell granuloma, odontogenic myxoma, and ameloblastic fibroma were given as radiological differential diagnoses. Histopathological examination revealed features of plexiform schwannoma which was given as the final diagnosis. The lesion was treated with surgical excision. Although odontogenic cysts/tumors are often thought of in differential diagnosis whenever well-defined radiolucencies in the jaw are encountered, it is prudent to include schwannoma. This exceptional case adds light to the fact that schwannoma should not be overlooked though it is a rare possibility and must be included in differential diagnosis of odontogenic cysts/tumors

A mixed radiopaque – radiolucent lesion in the anterior mandible associated with multiple impacted teeth: A radiodiagnostic challenge?

Desmoplastic ameloblastoma (DA) exhibits important differences in gender, anatomic distribution, radiographic findings, and histologic appearance compared to other types of ameloblastoma. Radiologically, DA is seen either as ill-defined mass containing osteolytic and sclerotic areas or as multifocal radiodense flecks within radiolucent background resembling a honeycomb. The radiographic differential diagnosis includes fibro-osseous lesions such as cemento-ossifying fibroma, fibrous dysplasia, calcifying odontogenic cyst, and chronic sclerosing osteomyelitis. Thus, DA should primarily be included in the differential diagnosis of a mixed radiopaque-radiolucent lesion with diffuse borders in the anterior premolar region of the jaws. This report adds to the literature of mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesions which may not always be histopathologically diagnosed as a fibro-osseous lesion but could turn out to be a DA. This report also benefits the dental community by cautioning them to be aware of DA that can be associated with multiple unerupted teeth which is quite a rare finding.

A Rare Variant of Oral Lichen Planus-Bullous Form.

Lichen planus (LP) is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease that is seen mainly affecting the skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes. Oral LP (OLP) has about 0.4‑5.3% potential to be malignant. If the disease is sufficiently characterized, the diagnosis can be made from the clinical features alone; but a biopsy is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and to exclude the presence of dysplasia and malignancy. OLP seems to be mediated by an antigen-specific mechanism, thereby activating the cytotoxic T-cells and non-specific mechanisms such as degranulation of mast cells and activation of matrix metalloproteinase. Pathogenesis of OLP may involve both antigen-specific and nonspecific mechanisms. Here, we report a case of bullous LP in a 44-year-old female patient, discussing clinical features and etiopathogenesis.