Marina Lara de Carli

Expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin in basaloid and conventional squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: are potential prognostic markers?

BackgroundBasaloid squamous cell carcinoma presents with a preference for the head and neck region, and shows a distinct aggressive behavior, with frequent local recurrences, regional and distant metastasis. The alterations in the cadherin-catenin complex are fundamental requirements for the metastasis process, and this is the first study to evaluate the immunostaining of E-cadherin and β-catenin in oral basaloid squamous cell carcinoma.MethodsSeventeen cases of this tumor located exclusively in the mouth were compared to 26 cases of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and 28 cases of well to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma matched by stage and tumor site. The immunostaining of E-cadherin and β-catenin were evaluated in the three groups and compared to their clinicopathological features and prognosis.ResultsFor groups poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma, reduction or absence of E-cadherin staining was observed in more than 80.0% of carcinomas, and it was statistically significant compared to well to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (p = .019). A strong expression of β-catenin was observed in 26.9% and 20.8% of well to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, respectively, and in 41.2% of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. The 5-year and 10-year overall and disease-free survival rates demonstrated no significant differences among all three groups.ConclusionsThe clinical and biological behavior of three groups of the oral cavity tumors evaluated are similar. E-cadherin and β-catenin immunostaining showed no prognostic value for basaloid and conventional squamous cell carcinomas.

Photodynamically dealing with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: Successful case reports

• Treating bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis with PDT and focusing on the infection resolution and bone neoformation.

Photodynamic inactivation of oral paracoccidioidomycosis affecting woman with systemic lupus erythematosus: An unusual case report

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic disease caused by the dimorphic fungus Paracocdioides brasiliensis. The infection primarily reaches the lungs by the inhalation of fungi spores and later can disseminate to other organs causing secondary oral lesions. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), on the other hand, is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory disease that affects various organ systems, including skin and oral cavity. Here we report a 39-year-old female patient bearing SLE and presenting an ulcerated lesion on the hard palate extending to the superior alveolar ridge, diagnosed as PCM. Itraconazole 200mg was prescribed and photodynamic therapy (PDT) was also instituted in a way to help dealing with the PCM infection while assisting such an immunocompromised patient to heal. PDT consisted of topically placing toluidine blue dye at 37.5mg/L for 5min, followed by low-level laser irradiation (660nm; 100J/cm2; 40mW of power; 100s per point). Forty days after beginning the treatment, the patient showed total regression of the oral lesion and absence of painful symptoms. The serologic test was performed again after six months of therapy and was negative; the patient continues to be followed periodically.

Association between dental anomalies and malocclusion in Brazilian orthodontic patients

Developmental dental anomalies have been associated with different malocclusions in various populations. This study verified this association in Brazilian non-syndromic orthodontic patients. The prevalence of dental anomalies was evaluated by examining 2,052 pretreatment records of orthodontic patients. Panoramic radiographs, study designs, intraoral photographs and medical history were collected in order to identify hypodontia, hyperdontia, microdontia, macrodontia, taurodontism, transposition, impaction, and ectopia. Epidemiological data and classification of malocclusion were also obtained. Data were analyzed using chi-square and Fishers exact test (P < 0.05), and the prevalence ratio was obtained from cases that had a significant association between anomaly and malocclusion. The results showed that 27.4% of the patients evaluated had some dental anomaly, and most of them were white women aged 11-20 years. Ectopia, microdontia, impaction, and hypodontia were more prevalent in patients with Class I malocclusion. Macrodontia was the only anomaly associated with Class II division 1. Impaction was associated with Class III malocclusion, at a 1.84-times higher prevalence. In conclusion, impaction was correlated with Class I malocclusion; macrodontia showed association with Class II division 1; and impaction and ectopia were associated with Class III malocclusion in Brazilian orthodontic patients. (J Oral Sci 58, 75-81, 2016).

Extensive ameloblastoma in young patient: 5-year follow-up with no recurrence using conservative treatment

Ameloblastoma is a benign, odontogenic tumor that, due to its low rate of incidence, slow growth and local invasiveness, can be treated with a variety of surgical approaches, ranging from conservative to radical procedures. The conventional variant of ameloblastoma, though, is more aggressive and common, presenting a higher rate of recurrence than the unicystic and extraosseous/peripheral types; usually, the treatment of choice for this variant employs more invasive procedures. This report is of a 13-year-old male patient who presented with a swelling on the posterior mandibular region, on the left side of his face. Intraoral examination revealed lingual displacement of teeth 36 and 37. The clinical, radiographic and histopathological analyses confirmed the diagnosis of ameloblastoma (plexiform histological type). The patient was treated with curettage and peripheral osteotomy and a 5-year follow-up examination showed the area to have healed completely, with no evidence of recurrence. Consequently, although the clinical management of ameloblastoma is often based on invasive surgical approaches, large tumors treated with conservative surgery are less aesthetically and functionally impaired, and may demonstrate good prognosis with no recurrence in the 5-year follow-up period, as in the case reported here. Indexing terms: Ameloblastoma. Recurrence. Therapy.

Estrogen Receptor-α Correlates with Higher Fungal Cell Number in Oral Paracoccidioidomycosis in Women

BackgroundParacoccidioidomycosis is a neglected tropical fungal infection with great predilection for adult men, indicating the participation of female hormone estrogen in preventing paracoccidioidomycosis development in women. Estrogen has an immunologic effect leading to polarization toward the Th2 immune response, which favors the disease evolution.ObjectivesTo evaluate estrogen and progesterone receptors in oral paracoccidioidomycosis lesions and to verify any association with tissue fungi counting in women and men.MethodsThirty-two cases of chronic oral paracoccidioidomycosis were included. Immunohistochemical analyses for anti-estrogen receptor-α, anti-progesterone receptor and anti-Paracoccidioides brasiliensis antibodies were performed. The differences between women and men and the relations among the immunomarkers for each gender were also evaluated.ResultsA significant positive correlation was observed between estrogen receptor-α and the amount of fungi in women. In addition, estrogen receptor-α was mildly expressed in the inflammatory cells of female patients, while progesterone receptor was expressed in both genders, with similar expression between women and men. Moreover, fungi counting revealed no differences between genders.ConclusionsEstrogen receptor-α was expressed only in women and showed a positive correlation with the amount of fungi in oral paracoccidioidomycosis, while progesterone receptor was observed in both genders and exhibited no correlation with estrogen receptor-α or fungi counting.

Fatal primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the maxillary sinus initially treated as an infectious disease in an elderly patient: A clinicopathologic report

OBJECTIVE To report a case of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the maxillary sinus in an 82-year-old Caucasian woman. BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the maxillary sinus has non-specific signs and symptoms that may be confused with benign inflammatory conditions and upper respiratory infections. METHODS An incisional biopsy was performed. CD20+ /CD3- /Ki-67: 95% cells were observed. CONCLUSION A good medical history, clinical and imaging evaluations and immunohistochemical reactions are crucial to establish a correct and early diagnosis of DLBCL.

Giant Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma Treated With Piezosurgery and Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Rare Case Report: Giant Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma

INTRODUCTION The peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF) is a benign reactive lesion that exclusively arises from gingiva. The lesion may gain considerably large sizes and present peculiar clinical and radiographic features that would then allow it to be called a giant POF; in that case, its otherwise simple surgical extraction could create a challenge. Thus, we elect here, for the very first time, a plausible alternative for treating giant POF: piezosurgery followed by placement of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). CASE PRESENTATION A 31-year-old black male presented a large asymptomatic nodule on the lower gingiva; the lesion had caused vestibular displacement of teeth and had been present for 18 years. Following the diagnostic hypothesis of a giant POF, an excisional biopsy was performed under local anesthesia using piezosurgery (microvibration of 36,000 times/sec was used in a bone cortical working mode), which confirmed the diagnosis. The surgical procedure was facilitated with the use of piezosurgery followed by placement of PRF, being the trans- and postoperative periods occurred with no complications. One year after the treatment, the patient shows no signs of disease recurrence and remains under follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Giant POF is a rare gingival reactive lesion that can reach large dimensions, causing teeth displacement, functional, and esthetic impairments. The lesion can be successfully managed with piezosurgery and PRF, as illustrated herein, avoiding extensive bone loss and damage to the surrounding soft tissues.

Photodynamic therapy for Schistosoma mansoni: Promising outcomes

The purpose of this study was to assess, for the very first time, the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on Schistosoma mansoni in vitro by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation throughout the treatment, as well as the behavior of the parasites (mating, motility and contraction/shortening), and damage to their tegument and excretory systems. The parasites were divided into 4 groups: control, photosensitizer, laser and PDT. Light irradiation was delivered with an InGaAlP low-level laser device operating at 660nm, with 40mW and 100J/cm2. For PDT, different toluidine blue dye (TBO) concentrations and times of exposure were utilized. Interestingly, TBO-mediated PDT was able to kill S. mansoni (P<0.001) due to the significant amount of ROS released that inflicted damages in the tegument and excretory system, as well as contraction and cessation of motility. In addition, males of S. mansoni were shown to be more sensitive to PDT if compared to their corresponding females when the optimal TBO concentration of 31.2μL was considered (P=0.0126). PDT presents two major advantages: not inducing microbial resistance and also lacking adverse effects. Therefore, PDT may become a promising therapeutic alternative for schistosomiasis in the near future, especially for cases of allergy and resistance to praziquantel.

Tuberous Sclerosis with Severe Cutaneous Manifestation and Multiples Facial Angiofibromas

Tuberous sclerosis is an extremely variable disease that can affect virtually any organ in the body. The most common findings are cutaneous manifestations, that are critical features in helping to establish diagnosis. We present a case of young man with diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis presenting multiple shagreen patches around the trunk, in the neck and genital region; large plaques with uneven surfaces on the right side of the lower back; and multiple papular lesions in his face, particularly around the nasolabial region, eyebrows and forehead. Considering that tuberous sclerosis is a disease with a highly variable clinical presentation, thus dentists and doctors should be aware of the different manifestations that may be found.