Ana Myriam Costa de Medeiros

Immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinases in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and lower lip

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of MMP-1, -2, -7, -9 and -26 in oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) according to tumour site and histological grade of malignancy. STUDY DESIGN Fifteen cases of SCC of the lower lip and 15 cases of tongue SCC were selected and divided into low grade malignancy (n = 17) and high grade malignancy (n = 13). RESULTS Higher immunohistochemical expression of MMPs by neoplastic cells was observed in tongue SCCs, with a statistically significant difference for MMP-9 (P < 0.05). High-grade SCCs showed a higher expression of MMPs, except for MMP-2, with a statistically significant difference for MMP-7 (P < 0.05) and MMP-26 (P < 0.05). In addition, a direct association was observed between morphological scores of malignancy and MMP immunoreactivity, with the association being significant for MMP-7 and MMP-26. CONCLUSION The present results demonstrate the important role of MMPs in the development of SCCs of the lower lip and tongue.

Intraoral molluscum contagiosum in a young immunocompetent patient

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a contagious disease caused by a virus of the poxvirus family. In children, the disease commonly manifests as a variable number of discrete umbilicated papules on the face and trunk. In healthy and immunosuppressed adults, the disease appears on or near the genital organs and is often sexually transmitted. MC involving the intraoral mucosa has been documented but is rare. We report a case of MC involving the oral mucosa exclusively and discuss the main clinical, histopathologic, and therapeutic characteristics, comparing the findings with cases of this rare oral presentation described in the literature.

Candidíase invasiva e alterações bucais em recém-nascidos prematuros

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate prevalence of invasive candidiasis in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and to evaluate oral diseases and Candida spp. colonization in low birth weight preterm newborns. Methods: A descriptive epidemiological study performed in two stages. First, prevalence of candidiasis was analyzed in a database of 295 preterm patients admitted to hospital for over 10 days and birth weight less than 2,000g. In the second stage, oral changes and Candida spp. colonization were assessed in 65 patients weighing less than 2,000g, up to 4 week-old, hospitalized for over 10 days and presenting oral abnormalities compatible with fungal lesions. Swab samples were collected in the mouth to identify fungi. Results: Prevalence of candidiasis was 5.4% in the database analyzed. It correlated with prolonged hospital length of stay (p<0.001), in average, 31 days, and 85% risk of developing infection in the first 25 days. It correlated with low birth weight (p<0.001), with mean of 1,140g. The most frequent alterations were white soft plaques, detachable, in oral mucosa and tongue. Intense oral colonization by Candida spp was observed (80%). Conclusions: The frequency of invasive candidiasis was low and correlated with low birth weight and prolonged hospital stay. The most common oral changes were white plaques compatible with pseudomembranous candidiasis and colonization by Candida spp. was above average.

Unusual coexistence of oral lymphoepithelial cyst and benign migratory glossitis

Alves Pereira, Karuza Maria; Weege Nonaka, Cassiano Francisco; de Andrade Santos, Pedro Paulo; Costa de Medeiros, Ana Myriam; Cavalcanti Galvao, Hebel Coexistencia incomum de cisto linfoepitelial oral e glossite migratoria benigna Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, vol. 75, num. 2, marzo-abril, 2009, p. 318 Associacao Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cervico-Facial Sao Paulo, Brasil

Desmoplasic ameloblastoma in maxilla: report of case and review of the literature

El ameloblastoma es una neoplasia benigna de origen epitelial odontogenica de crecimiento lento, localmente invasiva y constituye el tumor odontogenico mas comun en los maxilares. Histologicamente, existen varios tipos descritos en la literatura. La variante desmoplastica es rara y se caracteriza por diferencias en los hallazgos tipicos del ameloblastoma, incluso la localizacion y aspectos radiograficos e histologicos. Los objetivos de este articulo son relatar un caso de ameloblastoma desmoplasico en el lado izquierdo del maxilar superior y presentar una revision de la literatura relevante, enfatizando aspectos peculiares de esta rara lesion

Oral lichen planus: two case reports in male patients

Purpose: Lichen planus is a chronic systemic disease that commonly involves the mucosa of the oral cavity, most often in the absence of skin lesions. Although relatively frequent, oral lichen planus is the target of much controversy, mainly in relation to its pathogenesis and possible potential for malignancy. Thus, the objective of this paper is to report two cases of lichen planus in male patients and to discuss the main aspects of this disease in relation to etiopathogenesis and treatment. Case description: Physical and histopathological examinations were carried out to confirm the diagnosis of oral lichen planus. An elixir of dexamethasone was prescribed in the first case, and in the second case, topical 0.05% clobetasol propionate was prescribed. After fifteen days, both patients presented regression of the lesion. Conclusion: Although the occurrence of oral lichen planus is common, an accurate diagnosis is necessary so that the correct treatment can be established.