Douglas D. Damm

Combined epithelial odontogenic tumor: Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor and calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor

1. Two cases of a combined epithelial odontogenic tumor which had areas of AOT and CEOT were presented. 2. A review of the studies on histogenesis of the AOT revealed that the tumor probably consists of preameloblasts, stratum intermedium, and stellate reticulum. 3. A review of the studies on histogenesis of the CEOT revealed that the probable origin was in cells of stratum intermedium. 4. It is suggested that the present cases support the aforementioned theories of histogenesis and represent AOTs which contain foci of CEOT. 5. The suggested treatment is simple surgical excision.

Investigation into the histogenesis of congenital epulis of the newborn.

Five previously unreported cases of congenital epulis of the newborn are presented. All five cases were on the anterior maxillary alveolar ridge. Four were removed at 2 days of age and one at 7 weeks. Light microscopy demonstrated large eosinophilic granular cells within vascular fibrous connective tissue. Immunohistochemical studies revealed a positivity for vimentin and neuron specific enolase. Cytogenetic evaluation performed on one case was normal. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were absent in the one case so studied. Electron microscopy demonstrated tumor cells that were filled with autophagosomes. Cellular organelles were significantly reduced and inversely related to the number of cytoplasmic autophagosomes. Many of the autophagosomes contained collagen precursors. Poorly formed junctional complexes were seen. Occasional tumor cells demonstrated long processes that contained contractile microfilaments, pinocytosis, and areas of exocytosis. These studies suggest the tumor cells represent early mesodermal cells that express pericytic and myofibroblastic features that undergo cytoplasmic autophagocytosis.

Verruciform xanthoma within carcinoma in situ

This report describes an unusual case of verruciform xanthoma of the posterior floor of the mouth that occurred within carcinoma in situ. The significance of this case is described in light of current theories on the etiology and management of verruciform xanthoma.

Macrognathia of renal osteodystrophy in dialysis patients

A multiinstitutional study of macrognathia secondary to renal osteodystrophy in dialysis patients is presented. The nine cases reviewed reveal a variety of radiographic and histopathologic features, some of which resemble fibrous dysplasia and others suggestive of Pagets disease of bone. This article contains diagnostic criteria for differentiating renal osteodystrophy from similar fibro-osseous proliferations along with a discussion of the underlying cause and appropriate therapeutic interventions.

Odontogenic keratocysts of the midline maxillary region

PURPOSE This article compares the demographic features of the anterior midline maxillary odontogenic keratocyst with those in other regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data on 18 cases of anterior midline maxillary odontogenic keratocyst were reviewed. RESULTS Thirteen of the cases were in men (72.2%), and 16 of the patients (88.9%) were past the age of 60 years. The mean age of the patients was 69.9 years, which is much higher than for odontogenic keratocysts in other locations. The most common clinical diagnoses were periapical cyst and nasopalatine duct cyst. CONCLUSION It is important to include odontogenic keratocyst in the differential diagnosis of anterior midline maxillary radiolucencies, especially when they occur in older individuals.

Labial salivary gland tumors.

A study was conducted on labial salivary gland tumors from four oral pathology laboratories. Of the 103 identified tumors, 87 (84.5%) were from the upper lip, whereas 16 (15.5%) were from the lower lip. Of the 87 upper lip tumors, 80 (92.0%) were benign. Forty‐three of these were monomorphic adenomas and 37 were pleomorphic adenomas. Seven malignant tumors of the upper lip were as follows: four adenoid cystic carcinomas, two acinic cell carcinomas, and one adenocarcinoma. Of the 16 lower lip tumors, 15 (93.8%) were malignant. Thirteen of these were mucoepidermoid carcinomas and two were acinic cell carcinomas. The only benign lower lip tumor was an intraductal papilloma. These results confirm the findings of previous investigations, showing that minor salivary gland tumors are much more common in the upper lip than the lower lip, but that lower lip tumors are more likely to be malignant.

Leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the oral region: Report of three cases

Leiomyosarcoma, a malignant lesion of smooth muscle origin, is rare in the oral region. Metastatic leiomyosarcoma may originate from several potential primary sites, and the lung is the most common target tissue for metastatic deposits. This article describes three cases of leiomyosarcoma that were metastatic to the oral cavity and discusses the clinical and histopathologic differential diagnosis.

Dentinal candidiasis in cancer patients.

Two examples of an unusual presentation of oropharyngeal candidiasis in cancer patients are offered. The light and scanning electron microscopic appearances of candidiasis involving the dentin of teeth are described. The potential significance of recognition of this form of candidiasis in cancer patients is discussed.

Intraneural perineurioma--not restricted to major nerves.

The intraneural perineurioma is an uncommon proliferation of perineural cells that forms onion bulb-like structures surrounding the nerve axons within a portion of a single affected nerve. The etiology is idiopathic, and it is controversial whether the process is reactive or neoplastic. All previously reported cases have involved major nerves and have been associated with motor deficits and, less frequently, sensory signs or symptoms. The current case represents the first example shown to arise in a small unnamed nerve before the development of clinically detectable nerve dysfunction. The process appears to be progressive; and when detected in a small nerve, excision is recommended to prevent proximal extension and possible development of motor or sensory deficits.

Intraosseous fibrous lesions of the jawsA manifestation of tuberous sclerosis

Four patients previously diagnosed with tuberous sclerosis are reported with intraosseous fibrous lesions of the jaws. Review of the literature revealed comparable pathosis occurring in extragnathic bones and several previous reports of similar lesions within the jaws. Therefore, these intraosseous fibrous proliferations are thought to represent an intraoral manifestation of tuberous sclerosis and not coincidental findings. In all 4 cases, the tumors demonstrated significant collagenization with numerous interspersed plump fibroblasts. Although histopathologically similar, the features of the lesions are not specific and also can be found in desmoplastic fibromas and simple odontogenic fibromas. The definitive diagnosis requires appropriate clinicopathologic correlation.