Soulafa A. Almazrooa

Oral epithelial dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: clinical presentation and treatment outcomes

Late complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) include a risk of secondary malignancies. Optimization for early diagnosis and treatment of oral premalignant or malignant lesions requires an assessment of potential predisposing risk factors. The medical records of patients who developed oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) following allogeneic-HSCT were reviewed. Data on HSCT course, chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), and clinical outcome were recorded; landmark survival was calculated. Twenty-six patients with OED (n=8) and OSCC (n=18) were identified with a median follow-up of 26.5 and 21.5 months, respectively. Premalignant and malignant oral lesions were diagnosed at a median time of 2.5 and 8 years after HSCT, respectively. Chronic GVHD was present in 96% of patients and of these, 96% had oral involvement. Multifocal oral cancer was found in 28% of cases, and localized recurrence was observed in 44% of cases. These results suggest that oral cGVHD may be considered a potential risk factor for the development of OSCC following allogeneic-HSCT. The observation that oral cancers were frequently multifocal and recurred locally suggests that these cancers may be more aggressive. Vigilant follow-up and coordination of care are critical.

Osteonecrosis of the Mandible After Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Tube Placement

Four patients underwent laryngoscopy and general anesthesia surgery without apparent perioperative complications. Within days of their procedure, throat and mouth pain were reported and intraoral examination in all cases revealed exposed bone in the posterior mandible. The sequestra were easily removed and healing was uneventful. These lesions are likely associated with localized oral trauma during intubation causing periosteal damage, compromised blood supply, and subsequent bone necrosis. Because trauma to the mylohyoid ridge during intubation is likely more common than previously appreciated, anesthesiologists should be aware of this potential complication and refer patients to a specialist for management.

Resorbable collagen membranes: histopathologic features

OBJECTIVE Resorbable collagen membranes (RCMs) are commonly used by oral surgeons, periodontists, and endodontists for multiple purposes. We report 6 cases of RCMs that did not resorb as expected and describe the histopathologic features. STUDY DESIGN Cases of an unusual fibrillar foreign material were noted in biopsy specimens curetted from bone. Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome stains were performed. Clinicians were contacted for detailed clinical information. RESULTS There were 3 men and 3 women. RCMs presented as hyalinized, paucicellular, delicate eosinophilic fibrils or a meshwork without a foreign body reaction. They were refractile and stained for Masson trichrome as expected. These RCMs persisted longer than expected (2-6 weeks) in 3 cases and may have retarded healing in 5 cases. CONCLUSIONS Although RCM is supposed to be fairly rapidly resorbable, this material sometimes persists within wound sites without any obvious foreign body reaction and may retard healing.

Characterization and management of exfoliative cheilitis: a single-center experience

Exfoliative cheilitis (EC) is a rare inflammatory condition affecting the vermilion of the lips and characterized by production of a thick keratin scale. Given the limited available data, the approach to optimal management of EC remains unclear. The objective of this retrospective study was to characterize the clinical features, management, and outcomes of a series of patients with EC. Fifteen patients with a median age of 59 years and a female-to-male ratio of 2:1 were diagnosed with EC from 2000 to 2010. Parafunctional lip licking (53%) and a history of psychiatric disorders (40%) were common. Ten patients (66%) returned for follow-up, with an overall response rate (partial or complete) of 80% at a median of 2 months, most frequently associated with the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors or moisturizing agents. Management of EC with topical calcineurin inhibitors and moisturizing agents is associated with clinical improvement, but prospective trials are needed.

HPV-16 in a distinct subset of oral epithelial dysplasia

Human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 is the most common high-risk HPV type identified in oropharyngeal and cervical neoplasia. Recently, HPV-associated oral epithelial dysplasia with specific histopathologic features and demographics similar to HPV-oropharyngeal carcinoma has been identified. The objective of this study was to evaluate histopathologically all cases of HPV-oral epithelial dysplasia seen in one center and identify HPV types in a subset of cases. Cases with specific histopathology for HPV-oral epithelial dysplasia that were positive both by immunohistochemical studies for p16 and by in situ hybridization for high-risk types of HPV were further analyzed using QIAamp DNA Tissue Kits (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). DNA was extracted, amplified, and digested with restriction enzymes and run on a polyacrylamide gel. Digestion patterns were visually compared with a database of known HPV digestion patterns for identification. There were 53 specimens included in the analysis. There were 47 males and six females (7.8:1), with a median age of 55 years (range 41–81). The most common site of involvement was the tongue/floor of mouth (77% of cases). Of the 53 cases, 94% exhibited parakeratosis and/or hyperkeratosis. All the cases featured karyorrhexis, apoptosis, and characteristics of conventional carcinoma in situ. The quantity of DNA extracted was sufficient for analysis in 22 cases. HPV-16 was identified in 20/22 (91%) cases. One case was associated with HPV-33 and one with HPV-58 (5% each). Eight of the 53 cases (15%) were associated with invasive squamous cell carcinomas.