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The presentation-assimilation-discussion (PAD) class is a novel teaching method in which half the class time is allocated for the instructor's presentation and the other half for student's assimilation and discussion. This study evaluates and compares the teaching outcomes of the PAD class and traditional lecture-based method in oral pathology courses in School of Stomatology, Kunming Medical University.The experimental and control groups included 88 undergraduates from Class 2017 and 72 undergraduates from Class 2016, respectively. The PAD method was applied on the experimental group in 2019, whereas the traditional lecture-based method was applied on the control group in 2018. The two groups' teaching outcomes were compared using final theory tests, biopsy diagnostic tests, and questionnaires. The Mann-Whitney U-test and independent-sample t-test were adopted for statistical analysis.In five multiple-choice questions examining the same knowledge point from final theory tests, the distribution of the final scores showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p 0.05). In the biopsy diagnostic tests, the experimental group scored higher than the control group (p 0.05). In the questionnaires, there was no statistically significant difference for the "enhancing knowledge mastery" item (p 0.05). However, the experimental group showed significant superiority in the remaining nine items (p0.05). [Correction added on August 30, 2021, after first online publication: The data value p was corrected in the last sentence of result section.] CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the traditional lecture-based teaching, the PAD class stimulated a passion for learning among students and results in improved teaching outcomes. Therefore, the application of PAD class in oral pathology teaching should be recommended.

A proper antibody panel selection is one of the most important factors to reach an adequate diagnosis in challenging cases. This retrospective study was designed to determine the contribution of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in the primary diagnosis of oral diseases in one of the main services of oral pathology in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, and to identify the most common antibodies used, and recommend diagnostic algorithms based on our experience with challenging lesions. A total of 1698 IHC stains were performed in 401 cases from a total of 28,804 cases received from public dental clinics and private dental practitioners within a period of 13 years, representing a frequency of 1.4% of IHC solicitations. Among these, 112 (28%) were mandatory to reach a final diagnosis and 255 (63.6%) were confirmative. In 34 (8.4%) cases, it was not possible to reach a conclusive/final diagnosis, even with IHC. Regarding the nature of the lesions, 210 (52.3%) were benign, 163 (40.6%) were malignant tumors, 13 (3.2%) were reactive, 10 (2.5%) were premalignant, and 5 (1.2%) were lesions of uncertain malignancy. Small amount of tissue of some incisional biopsies, overlapping features of spindle cell lesions (epithelial, neural, melanocytic, smooth muscle, endothelial, and fibroblastic/myofibroblastic cell differentiation), and overlapping features of salivary gland lesions were the most frequent challenges in which IHC stains were requested. Spindle cell lesions were the most frequent (22%) among all cases that required IHC to reach a final diagnosis. The implementation of IHC for routine practice requires a wide range of markers, proper antibody selection, and knowledge to interpret the subjectivity of staining. The inherent limitation of incisional biopsies was pointed as a reason to inconclusive diagnosis, despite a wide range of antibodies that our laboratory displays.

Background Nasopalatine duct cyst (NDC) is the most common non-odontogenic cyst in the oral cavity. Clinically it is not difficult to suspect these lesions based on clinical and radiographic appearance. However, the histopathological diagnosis may be difficult due to the broad morphological diversity of these lesions. The objective was to analyze the clinicopathological features of NDCs diagnosed in two oral and maxillofacial pathology services in the Brazilian northeast. Material and Methods A retrospective clinicopathologic study was performed. A total of 18,121 clinical records of oral lesions from two oral and maxillofacial pathology services in Brazil were analyzed (2000-2020). All NDCs cases were revised and demographic, clinical, radiographic, and histopathological data were collected. Results Among 18,121 diagnoses in the oral pathology services, 45 (0.2%) were NDCs. The series comprises 24 males (53.3%) and 21 females (46.7%), with a mean age of 43.2 years-old. Most lesions were asymptomatic (n = 27, 60%) with an mean size of 2.1 cm. Microscopically, the non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium was the most common (66.7%). However, in 88.9% of cases, the epithelial lining was varied and composed of two or more types of epithelium. There was no significant association between the type of epithelium and the size of the cysts (p = 0.389). Nerve, blood vessels, hemorrhage, and chronic inflammatory infiltrate were commonly observed. In contrast, there was a low frequency of mucous glands, sebaceous glands, cholesterol clefts, and multinucleated giant cells. Conclusions The clinical, radiographic, and microscopic findings observed in this study are similar to those reported in the literature. Due to the morphological diversity of NDC, it is needed to correlate its histopathological features with the clinical and radiographic findings to establish a correct diagnosis. Key words:Oral cavity, oral pathology, nonodontogenic cysts, diagnosis.

Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a common chronic inflammatory condition with an undefined malignant transformation potential. There have been many attempts at providing a specific definition of OLP without conclusive outcomes. A new set of diagnostic criteria was proposed in 2016 by the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (AAOMP) in an endeavour to resolve this issue, and this has not yet been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the utility of AAOMP proposed criteria for the diagnosis of OLP. Methods Five pathologists blindly assessed a cohort of 215 digital whole slide images (WSI) obtained from haematoxylin and eosin-stained microscopic slides. Forty-six WSI were included twice to assess the intra-observer agreement. Included cases were diagnosed clinically as either OLP or oral lichenoid reaction. Each pathologist was asked to utilize the AAOMP histopathological criteria while assessing slides. The variations in diagnoses were assessed by unweighted kappa statistics. Results The level of intra-observer agreement was very good (0.801 to 0.899). The level of inter-observer agreement among the observers varied from good (0.658) to very good (0.842) when the responses were categorized as evident/compatible OLP versus no OLP and was good (0.62 to 0.725) when the responses were categorized as evident OLP, versus compatible OLP, versus no OLP. The clinico-pathological correlation was 87.6%. Conclusion A reliable level of agreement can be achieved by pathologists for the diagnosis of OLP using the AAOMP criteria for differentiation between lichenoid and other conditions. There are still limitations in discriminating OLP from oral lichenoid lesions microscopically.

Antiresorptive therapy is the main form of prevention of osteoporotic or fragility fractures. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a relatively rare but severe adverse reaction to antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. Physicians and dentists caring for patients taking these drugs and requiring invasive procedures face a difficult decision because of the potential risk of MRONJ. The aim of this study was to discuss the risk factors for the development of MRONJ and prevention of this complication in patients with osteoporosis taking antiresorptive drugs and requiring invasive dental treatment. For this goal, a task force with representatives from three professional associations was appointed to review the pertinent literature and discuss systemic and local risk factors, prevention of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, and management of established MRONJ. Although scarce evidence links the use of antiresorptive agents in the context of osteoporosis to the development of MRONJ, these agents are considered a risk factor for this complication. Despite the rare reports of MRONJ in patients with osteoporosis, the severity of symptoms and impact of MRONJ in the patients' quality of life make it imperative for health care professionals to consider this complication when planning invasive dental procedures.

During the current pandemic scenario, maxillofacial rehabilitation specialists involved with supportive care in cancer must transform its practice to cope with COVID-19 and improve protocols that could quickly return the oral function of complex cancer patients who cannot wait for surgical complex rehabilitation. This includes the role of the maxillofacial prosthodontist for the rehabilitation of surgically treated patients with maxillary cancers by the means of filling obturator prostheses that are considered an optimal scientific-based strategy to reduce hospital stay with excellent pain control, oral function (speech, swallowing, mastication, and facial esthetics), psychologic and quality of life outcomes for the patients following intraoral cancer resection. Therefore, the aim of this commentary was to bring new lights to the strategic use of obturator prostheses for the rehabilitation of oral cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as to present a protocol for managing such cases.

In the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, pathologists can be exposed to infection handling surgical specimens. Guidelines related to safety procedures in the laboratory have been released. However, there is a lack of studies performed on biopsy and surgical resection specimens. Here we report the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from surgical resection of tongue squamous cell carcinoma of a patient who developed COVID-19 postsurgery. RNA of SARS-CoV-2 strain was detected in the tumour and the normal submandibular gland samples using real-time PCR-based assay. No viral RNA was found in metastatic and reactive lymph nodes. We demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in routine histopathological samples even before COVID-19 disease development. These findings may give important information on the possible sites of infection or virus reservoir, and highlight the necessity of proper handling and fixation before sample processing.

Background/Aim: The incidence of oropharyngeal tumours induced by human papillomaviruses (HPV) is ever increasing. Information about oral HPV prevalence and its risk factors are very important for future screening and early diagnosis of the disease. The present study aimed to assess oral HPV prevalence in healthy population and risk factors for HPV infection, since this data is scarce or even missing in Central Europe. Patients and Methods: HPV prevalence in oral rinse and HPV-specific antibodies in peripheral blood were investigated in two groups of healthy participants. Group I consisted of 294 students who reached sexual maturity after the HPV vaccine had been licensed with mean age 23.2 years, and Group II of 215 unvaccinated participants with the mean age 55.7 years. Additionally, the risk factors were evaluated. Results: In Group I, 2% of participants were positive for oral HPV DNA. A statistically significantly higher rate (8.8%) was found in Group II. The seropositivity rates for anamnestic HPV antibodies were comparable in both groups. None of the analysed risk factors was significantly associated with oral HPV positivity. Conclusion: The lower prevalence of oral HPV DNA in younger participants suggests the positive influence of vaccination against oral HPV.

Background Oral lichen planus (OLP) is an immune-mediated inflammatory chronic disease of the oral mucosa, with different patterns of clinical manifestations which range from keratotic manifestations (K-OLP) to predominantly non-keratotic lesions (nK-OLP). The aim of the study was to analyze the differences in the clinical, psychological profile and symptoms between Italian patients of the North and Central-South with K-OLP and nK-OLP. Methods 270 K-OLP and 270 nK-OLP patients were recruited in 15 Italian universities. The Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression and for Anxiety (HAM-D and HAM-A), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were administered. Results The Central-South K-OLP (CS-K-OLP) patients reported a higher frequency of pain/burning compared with the K-OLP patients of the North (N-K-OLP) with higher scores in the NRS and T-PRI (p value p value p value p value p value p value Conclusions Pain and mood disorders are predominant in patients with OLP in the Central-South of Italy. Clinicians should consider that the geographical living area may explain the differences in oral symptoms and psychological profile in OLP.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the delivery of healthcare, including oral healthcare services. The restrictions imposed for mitigating spread of the virus forced dental practitioners to adopt significant changes in their workflow pattern. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the pandemic on the practice of oral and maxillofacial pathology in two countries in regard to educational activities, and clinical and diagnostic pathology services.An online questionnaire was distributed to oral and maxillofacial pathologists in the United States and Canada. The survey was designed by combining dichotomous, multiple choice, and Likert response scale questions. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed with SPSS software.Most pathologists, at the time of survey completion, were teaching synchronously, primarily with case-based learning and live lectures. During lockdown, 52.4% and 50.0% of those with trainees expected their residents to show up for clinic- and laboratory-related procedures respectively. The pathologists were most concerned for their residents' inadequate clinical exposure, future placement, and face-to-face teaching time. About 89.0% pathologists were able to provide emergent care, with 82.4% and 23.5% having performed telehealth consultations and oral biopsy procedures, respectively. During the lockdown, the pathology laboratories for 90.9% of participants received biopsy specimens that predominantly comprised of potentially malignant or malignant lesions. However, a reduction in the number of biopsy submissions was reported.Given the challenges of the pandemic, oral and maxillofacial pathologists in the United States and Canada successfully continued their pursuits in education, clinical care, and diagnostic pathology services.

Tissue processing describes the steps involved in infiltrating a well fixed tissue with wax for section cutting on a microtome. Paraffin tissue processing can be performed either manually or by using an automated tissue processor and errors in any of the steps involved would significantly affect histopathology. The aim of this article was to describe to principles of manual tissue processing as performed in the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Laboratory of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria (OMFP-CMUL Lab).We report the principles of manual tissue processing as performed in the OMFP-CMUL lab using the index case of an 11-year-old girl with a histopathologic diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma.Steps of tissue processing included fixation, specimen accessioning, gross examination, decalcification (for tissue specimens containing calcium deposits), dehydration, clearing, infiltration, embedding, sectioning, labeling of tissue blocks, tissue floatation bathing, making the slide and numbering, staining, drying, cover-slipping, and microscopic examination.Common errors seen in histopathology laboratories were avoided by the quality control practices of the residents, consultants, laboratory scientists and technicians within the department.Le traitement des tissus décrit les étapes d’infiltration d’un tissu bien fixé avec de la cire pour la coupe de sections sur un microtome. Le traitement des tissus en paraffine peut être effectué soit manuellement ou à l’aide d’un processeur de tissus automatisé et les erreurs commises dans l’une ou l’autre de ces étapes peuvent affecter de manière significative l’histopathologie. Le but de cet article était de décrire les principes du traitement manuel des tissus tel qu’il est effectué dans le laboratoire de pathologie orale et maxillofaciale du Collège de Médecine de l’Université de Lagos, Nigeria (Laboratoire OMFP-CMUL).Nous rapportons les principes du traitement manuel des tissus tels qu’ils sont réalisés dans le laboratoire de l’OMFPCMUL en utilisant le cas d’index d’une fille de 11 ans avec une diagnostic histopathologique d’améloblastome unicystique.Les étapes du traitement des tissus comprennent la fixation, l’accession des spécimens, l’examen macroscopique, la décalcification (pour les spécimens de tissue contenant des dépôts de calcium), la déshydratation, le nettoyage, l’infiltration l’enrobage, la coupe, l’étiquetage des blocs de tissus, la flottaison des tissus, le bain, la fabrication de la lame et la numérotation, la coloration, le séchage, le recouvrement et l’examen microscopique.Les erreurs courantes observées dans les laboratoires d’histopathologie ont été évitées grâce aux pratiques de contrôle de qualité des résidents, consultants, des scientifiques et des techniciens de laboratoire au sein du service.Cet article élucide les principes du traitement manuel des tissus tel qu’il est effectué dans le laboratoire de l’OMFPCMUL en détaillant leurs protocoles observés et les mesures de prévention des erreurs afin que ces principes et mesures puissent être adoptés dans d’autres laboratoires d’histopathologie ayant des conditions de travail similaires.Manuel, traitement des tissus, laboratoire de pathologie, Lagos, Nigeria.

This qualitative study was conducted to investigate the perception of third-year dental students' about Kahoot! as an innovative learning, teaching, and assessment tool for the subject of Oral Pathology at the Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi. This online App was implemented as a teaching and assessment tool in both the first and second semesters during the academic year 2019. Out of 75 students, 50 were females and 25 were males. Students' opinion about Kahoot! was assessed using a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale. Kahoot! has been implemented for the first time in the dental curriculum of our institution. Around 90% of the students accepted that they can easily comprehend the knowledge, challenge their mental ability, and become an attentive learner. The quizzes assisted students to identify different oral structures, histological features, and oral mucosal alteration in an interesting way. According to students' opinion, Kahoot! assist them to develop a notion of self-directed learning (69; 92%), and prepared to attempt exams confidently (68; 90%).

Objectives The goal of the current study was to evaluate the relative frequency of oral and maxillofacial pathological lesions among Egyptian children. Materials and methods Records of biopsies submitted to the department of oral and maxillofacial pathology from the year 1999 to 2019 were retrieved and reassessed for all cases under the age of 18 years. Information on age, sex, location of the lesion, and the histopathologic diagnosis was analyzed. Results Over the course of twenty-one years, 1108 specimens were analyzed where reactive soft tissue lesions, which accounted for 397 (35.8%) of all cases ranked the highest presented category, followed by inflammatory odontogenic cysts, which accounted for 213 cases (19.2%). With 208 cases, the inflammatory radicular cyst was on the top of the most common 20 lesions, followed by pyogenic granuloma (160 cases). Malignancy was found in 19 cases, with soft tissue tumors (10 cases) being the most common, followed by salivary gland (5 cases) and bone pathologies (4 cases). Conclusions The frequency of oral and maxillofacial pathological lesions among Egyptian children increased over the years but remained consistent with global trends. Clinical relevance This is the first study evaluating the relative frequency of oral and maxillofacial pathological lesions among Egyptian children and provides an insight into the most commonly encountered pediatric pathologies. This may aid in the understanding of the most prevalent oral lesions that impact the pediatric population, as well as providing the key to early detection of lesions.

This review article was designed to evaluate the existing evidence related to the molecular processes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the oral cavity. The World Health Organization stated that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and transmission is produced by respiratory droplets and aerosols from the oral cavity of infected patients. The oral cavity structures, keratinized and non-keratinized mucosa, and salivary glands’ epithelia express SARS-CoV-2 entry and transmission factors, especially angiotensin converting enzyme Type 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). Replication of the virus in cells leads to local and systemic infection spread, and cellular damage is associated with clinical signs and symptoms of the disease in the oral cavity. Saliva, both the cellular and acellular fractions, holds the virus particles and contributes to COVID-19 transmission. The review also presents information about the factors modifying SARS-CoV-2 infection potential and possible local pharmacotherapeutic interventions, which may confine SARS-CoV-2 virus entry and transmission in the oral cavity. The PubMed and Scopus databases were used to search for suitable keywords such as: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, oral virus infection, saliva, crevicular fluid, salivary gland, tongue, oral mucosa, periodontium, gingiva, dental pulp, ACE2, TMPRSS2, Furin, diagnosis, topical treatment, vaccine and related words in relevant publications up to 28 December 2021. Data extraction and quality evaluation of the articles were performed by two reviewers, and 63 articles were included in the final review.

The aim of this integrative review consisted of verifying whether the oral manifestations detected in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 are useful in diagnosing the disease, whether they are a manifestation resulting from the disease, or whether there is evidence that there is no correlation between the pathologies. Therefore, articles in the PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched, in addition to the search in gray literature. The terms used in the search were: “COVID-19” or “Sars-Cov-2” or “coronavirus” and “oral conditions” or “oral health” or “oral manifestations” and “diagnosis/complications” or “symptoms”. Thus, 1.305 articles were selected, of which 61 were selected to compose this review. Most of the included studies considered oral symptoms as taste changes, xerostomia and ulcerative lesions in the oral and labial mucosa. All symptoms related to this pathology still need further studies and investigations so that all mechanisms and manifestations related to it are completely elucidated. El objetivo de esta revisión integradora consiste en verificar si las manifestaciones orales detectadas en pacientes con COVID-19 son útiles en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad, si son una manifestación resultante de la enfermedad o si existe evidencia de que no existe correlación entre las patologías. Se realizaron búsquedas de artículos en las bases de datos PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science y Embase, además de la búsqueda en literatura gris. Los términos utilizados en la búsqueda fueron: "COVID-19" o "Sars-Cov-2" o "coronavirus" y "afecciones bucales" o "salud bucal" o "manifestaciones bucales" y "diagnóstico / complicaciones" o "síntomas". Así, se seleccionaron 1305 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 61 para componer esta revisión. La mayoría de los estudios incluidos consideraron los síntomas orales como cambios en el gusto, xerostomía y lesiones ulcerativas en la mucosa oral y labial. Todos los síntomas relacionados con esta patología aún necesitan más estudios e investigaciones para que se esclarezcan por completo todos los mecanismos y manifestaciones relacionados con ella. O objetivo desta revisão integrativa consistiu em verificar se as manifestações bucais detectadas em pacientes com diagnóstico de COVID-19 são úteis no diagnóstico da doença, ou se são manifestações decorrentes da doença, ou ainda, se há evidências de que não há correlação entre as patologias. Para tanto, foram pesquisados artigos nas bases de dados PubMed, Lilacs, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science e Embase, além de uma busca na literatura cinzenta. Os termos utilizados na busca foram: "COVID-19" ou "Sars-Cov-2" ou "coronavírus" e "condições bucais" ou "saúde bucal" ou "manifestações orais" e "diagnóstico / complicações" ou "sintomas". Assim, foram localizados 1.305 artigos, dos quais 61 foram selecionados para compor esta revisão. A maioria dos estudos incluídos considerou sintomas orais como alterações do paladar, xerostomia e lesões ulcerativas na mucosa oral e labial. Todos os sintomas relacionados a essa patologia ainda precisam de mais estudos e investigações para que os mecanismos e manifestações a ela relacionados sejam completamente elucidados.

Objective: To evaluate the intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability of linear and curvilinear measurements for the complete assessment of implant sites and jaw pathologies using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: Fifty cone-beam computed tomographic images of patients were retrieved from the archives of Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. CBCT images taken for implant planning and evaluation of intrabony jaw pathologies (benign cyst/tumor) were included. Two expert oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyzed the images independently and made the measurements. The images for implant planning were analyzed for width, the height of the edentulous site, and the qualitative analysis of bone in the region. Jaw pathologies were assessed for linear dimensions and curvilinear measurements. Results: The inter-observer measurement error for implant site analysis ranged from 0.12 to 0.42 mm with almost perfect agreement (ICC: 0.94 to 1). The inter-observer measurement error for jaw pathology was 0.09 to 0.25 mm (ICC: 0.98-1). Curvilinear measurements showed perfect agreement between the observers. The intraobserver reliability for the various parameters used for the assessment of the implant site and jaw pathologies indicated almost perfect agreement. Conclusion: Reliability between the radiologists is high for various measurements on CBCT images taken for implant planning and jaw pathologies.

Objective: To determine the frequency of oral potentially malignant disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and evaluate the consistency between their clinical and pathological features . Material and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on records with a diagnosis of oral leukoplakia, oral erythroplakia, erythroleukoplakia, actinic cheilitis, lichen planus, and OSCC in the Pathology Department of Kerman dental school from September 1997 to September 2017. Data were analyzed in SPSS 21 at the significance level of ≤5%. Results: There were 378 cases of oral potentially malignant disorders and 70 cases of OSCC with a mean age of 46.82 ± 15.24 years. Buccal mucosa was the most frequent site, and lichen planus the most common lesion. Females were significantly older than males in leukoplakia and carcinoma in situ lesions. Clinical diagnosis and histopathology were consistent in 69.03% of cases . Conclusion: Clinical and histopathological diagnoses were consistent in 69.03% of records. The highest degree of clinical compliance with histopathology was observed in OSCC. Dentists should pay attention to oral potentially malignant disorders for early diagnosis to prevent their transformation to malignancy.

We analyzed the distribution characteristics of the scientific production of Brazilian dentistry researchers of the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development. The Lattes curriculum data of 211 researchers from Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery, and Oral Medicine fields were included (2018-2020). Over their academic career, 39 researchers published 7,555 papers (average, 175 articles/researcher); 3,876/7,555 papers were indexed in the Web of Science. During 2018-2020, 1,440/7,555 (19%) papers were published. Brazilian dental researchers contribute significantly to international research by participating in scientific journals' editorial boards, evaluating research promotion agencies, training researchers, and contributing to scientific and technological development.

To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of diagnoses of oral and maxillofacial lesions in public laboratories after one year of COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil.This is a cross-sectional study. Biopsies submitted to histopathologic examination from March 2019 to February 2020 (pre-pandemic period) and from April 2020 to March 2021 (pandemic period) in nine Brazilian public oral pathology laboratories were retrieved and the number of diagnoses, types of lesion, and percentage changes during both periods were analyzed.There were 7389 diagnoses in the pre-pandemic period and 2728 in the pandemic era, indicating a reduction of 63.08%. The reduction was 64.23% for benign lesions and 49.48% for malignant lesions, with a 50.64% reduction in squamous cell carcinoma. The largest decreases were observed in April 2020 and January 2021.An important reduction in the diagnoses of benign and malignant lesions was noted in the Brazilian public oral pathology laboratories during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for studies that correlate the severity of oral mucositis (OM) with chemotherapy protocols, transient myelosuppression and oral health. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the severity of OM among individuals with solid tumors during hospitalization and its correlation with the type of chemotherapy, myelosuppression and oral health condition. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study at a public hospital in Bauru, state of São Paulo, Brazil, that is a regional referral center. METHODS: Individuals diagnosed with solid malignant tumors who received chemotherapy during hospitalization for completion of the antineoplastic treatment cycle or who presented complications resulting from this were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight individuals (24.3%) manifested some degree of OM. The most prevalent degrees of OM according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and modified WHO classification were grades 2 (11.3%) and 5 (4.3%), respectively. It was observed that the higher the OM-WHO (P < 0.001; r = 0.306) and modified OM-WHO (P < 0.001; r = 0.295) classifications were, the greater the oral pain reported by the individuals was. Presence of mucositis in the upper lip and buccal mucosa contributed to increased severity of OM and worsening of swallowing during hospitalization. Thus, severe OM was associated with use of the FOLFIRI protocol (folinic acid, fluorouracil and irinotecan). CONCLUSION: Individuals with tumors who presented severe OM had greater severity of oral pain and worse oral health. Use of the FOLFIRI protocol was associated with higher prevalence of severe OM, while use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was correlated with worse oral condition.

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of actinic cheilitis in rural workers and factors associated with the development of this condition. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in a city in Northeastern Brazil. Data were collected by clinical examination and use of a questionnaire validated with 300 rural workers. The χ2 test was employed to identify possible associations between the presence of actinic cheilitis and clinical and demographic variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using forward stepwise selection. A p value of 0.05 was considered significant. Results The prevalence of actinic cheilitis was 12.0% in the sample. The highest prevalence of actinic cheilitis was observed in white males, with low educational level, and an approximately 40-year history of sun exposure. Chronic lesions were commonly found in the lower lip and were characterized by scaling, dryness, and mild edema. Skin color, sex, educational level of patients, and cumulative sun exposure (in years), were identified as predictors of development of actinic cheilitis. Conclusion Our results suggest the need to implement educational health strategies aimed to orient the population about risk factors and preventive measures of the disease. Appropriate clinical management of patients with actinic cheilitis is important for prevention of lip cancer.

Objective: To compare the agreement of clinical and radiographic diagnosis with the histopathological diagnosis in fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws. Material and Methods: An analytical and exploratory study was made based on systematic collected data, carried out in the laboratory of surgical pathology of a public Dental School. There were evaluated cases of fibrous dysplasia (FD), cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD) and ossifyng fibroma (OF), diagnosed by clinical, radiographic (panoramic and periapical radiography), and histopathological analysis, in a period of 12 years (from March 2001 to June 2013). Descriptive and inferential statistics (Fisher's exact test) were obtained. Results: Ninety-six cases of FOLs were evaluated. The radiographic aspects of the FOLs studied did not differ significantly (p=0.09). Radiolucent lesions were the least frequent, corresponding to approximately 13.5% of radiographic findings. Mixed lesions and radiopaques were more present, how they were COD and FD, respectively. The more aggressive variation of OF (Juvenile Ossifying Fibroma - JOF) was less frequent among the pathologies evaluated. In approximately 61.46% of the cases clinical and radiographic diagnosis were confirmed by histopathological diagnosis of FOLs. The highest agreement and the highest disagreement were observed in COD cases (40.7% and 62.2%, respectively). Conclusion: FOLs of the maxillaries represent a group of lesions in which the establishment of the clinical and radiographic diagnosis supported by the histopathological confirmation is critical and challenging.

Objective: To evaluate and compare lipid profile level in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients . Material and Methods: Thirty histopathologically diagnosed subjects each of OL, OSMF, OSCC were recruited along with 30 healthy controls. 5ml of venous blood is collected and estimated using standard diagnostic kits. Results: The mean of Total cholesterol level in controls was 219.03 mg%, in OSCC, OL and OSMF was 142.89 ± 10.21mg%, 155.44 ± 17.63 mg% and 180.60 ± 13.25 mg%, respectively. The mean low-density lipid level in controls was 137.24 mg and in OSCC, OL and OSMF groups were 109.28 ± 2.16 mg%, 126.63 ± 0.85 mg% and 119.15 ± 0.93 mg%, respectively. The mean of high-density lipid level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 42.87 ± 0.42 mg%, 36.50 ± 2.31 mg%, 21.13 ± 0.77 mg% and 28.37 ± 1.11mg%, respectively. The mean of very low density lipids level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 30.12 ± 1.51 mg%, 17.24 ± 0.80 mg%, 22.25 ± 0.93 mg% and 25.89 ± 0.43 mg%, respectively. The mean triglyceride level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 118.80 ± 9.47 mg%, 91.2 ± 3.03 mg%, 105.05 ± 2.96 mg% and 106.19 ± 3.09 mg%, respectively . Conclusion: Lipid profile levels could be early indicators of precancer and cancer.

Objective The steady and continued increase of the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine's (JOPM) popularity, prompted a bibliometric analysis of the journal. The purpose was to assess the significance and effect of the published research articles in the Journal from 1972 - 2020, aiding the identification of landmark articles. We performed a bibliometric analysis using the top 100 cited papers in the Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine. Materials and methods An extensive review of the Web of Science was undertaken. Standard information such as author details, affiliated institutions, publication year, and the country of origin was recorded. Results The top 100 cited articles in JOPM were assessed. The maximum and minimum number of citations in the top 100 articles was 1,459 and 95 respectively. A total of 16,790 citations were recorded for these 100 aricles. Authors were affiliated to 28 different countries, 17 research articles from the UK and 12 from the USA. Other countries furnished seven or fewer articles. Conclusion This bibliometric analysis provides a synopsis of research published in the journal over a 48 year period. Recent interest in the journal shows a healthy increase in submissions and profile.

The aim of the present study was to understand the importance of Sports Dentistry for the athlete's health, to verify the most prevalent oral diseases in high-performance athletes and to identify the influence of oral diseases on the athlete's performance. Literature searches were carried out in the following electronic databases: Virtual Health Library, SciELO, Google Scholar, Pubmed and Portal de Periódicos Capes / MEC. It was observed that oral care goes beyond the indication of the use of mouthguards. The dentist acts in the prevention and intervention of harmful factors such as caries disease, temporomandibular disorder, periodontal disease, malocclusion, deleterious habits, dental erosion, in addition to dental and orofacial trauma caused by the impact on contact sports. Attention is even given to the prescription of medications, so that there is no risk of a positive result in doping control. One of the concerns in treating oral diseases, is due to the fact of the systemic repercussions, as they can impair the capacity of muscle regeneration, generate respiratory problems and cardiovascular complications. In addition to compromising masticatory efficiency, speech, favoring dental trauma, and also decreasing athletes' willingness and ability to concentrate in cases of pain. There is a need for further studies on the subject and for the dissemination in the sports environment of the importance of oral health for the maintenance of systemic health and, consequently, improvement of the athletes' sports performance. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comprender la importancia de la Odontología Deportiva para la salud del deportista, verificar las enfermedades bucodentales más prevalentes en deportistas de alto rendimiento e identificar la influencia de las enfermedades bucodentales en el rendimiento del deportista. Se realizaron búsquedas bibliográficas en las siguientes bases de datos electrónicas: Biblioteca Virtual en Salud, SciELO, Google Scholar, Pubmed y Portal de Periódicos Capes / MEC. Se observó que el cuidado bucal va más allá de la indicación del uso de protectores bucales. El cirujano dentista actúa en la prevención e intervención de factores nocivos como la enfermedad de caries, trastorno temporomandibular, enfermedad periodontal, maloclusión, hábitos deletéreos, erosión dental, además de los traumatismos dentales y orofaciales provocados por el impacto en los deportes de contacto. Incluso se presta atención a la prescripción de medicamentos, para que no exista riesgo de un resultado positivo en el control de dopaje. Una de las preocupaciones en el tratamiento de las enfermedades bucodentales, se debe a las repercusiones sistémicas, ya que pueden perjudicar la capacidad de regeneración muscular, generar problemas respiratorios y complicaciones cardiovasculares. Además de comprometer la eficiencia masticatoria, el habla, favorece el trauma dental y también disminuye la disposición y capacidad de concentración de los deportistas en casos de dolor. Se necesitan más estudios sobre el tema y la difusión en el ámbito deportivo de la importancia de la salud bucal para el mantenimiento de la salud sistémica y, en consecuencia, la mejora del rendimiento deportivo de los deportistas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi compreender a importância da Odontologia do Esporte para a saúde do atleta, verificar as doenças bucais mais prevalentes em atletas de alto rendimento e identificar a influência de doenças bucais no rendimento do atleta. Foram realizadas buscas na literatura, nas seguintes bases de dados eletrônicas: Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, SciELO, Google Acadêmico, Pubmed e Portal de Periódicos Capes/MEC. Observou-se que os cuidados bucais vão além da indicação do uso de protetores bucais. O cirurgião-dentista atua na prevenção e intervenção de fatores prejudiciais como a doença cárie, disfunção temporomandibular, doença periodontal, má oclusão, hábitos deletérios, erosão dental, além de traumatismos dentários e orofaciais causados pelo impacto em esportes de contato. A atenção se dá inclusive na prescrição de medicamentos, para que não corra o risco de resultado positivo no controle de doping. Uma das preocupações em tratar as doenças bucais, se dá pelo fato das repercussões sistêmicas, pois podem prejudicar a capacidade de regeneração muscular, gerar problemas respiratórios e complicações cardiovasculares. Além de comprometer a eficiência mastigatória, a fala, favorecer traumas dentários, e também diminuir a disposição e capacidade de concentração dos atletas nos casos de dor. Há necessidade da realização de mais estudos sobre o tema e da divulgação no meio esportivo da importância da saúde bucal para a manutenção da saúde sistêmica e, consequente, melhoria do desempenho esportivo dos atletas.

Objective: To evaluate the level of inflammatory factors of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and reactive protein C in benign and malignant thyroid nodules. Material and Methods: In this case-control study, patients who were referred because of an enlarged thyroid gland were selected, patients who had undergone surgery for the thyroid nodule were included in the study. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and reactive protein C were measured before surgery in patients who were candidates for thyroid surgery. The histopathological records of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Relevant cases had a cytological evaluation of thyroid nodules by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) . The mean of ESR / CRP in both groups was compared using an independent t-test (p>0.05). Results: In malignant tumor type, in all patients, with Pill (PTC), analyzes in the malignant group showed a significant difference between the mean ESR / CRP in both groups with and without thyroid history. Sub-analyzes in the malignant group were significantly different between the mean ESR / CRP in both groups with and without thyroid histories (p=0.009) (40.16 ± 28.81). The association between ESR and CRP, ESR / CRP and tumor size, ESR / CRP and age in each group as well as in the whole patients were evaluated using Pearson correlation test, which showed a positive association between ESR age and ESR (p=0.024, r=0.375). In the malignant group, a negative correlation was found between the age and the CRP rate (p=0.027, r=-0.441), and in the total patients between the age and the rate (ES=0.043, r=-0.256) . Conclusion: Factors such as ESR and CRP, which are considered acute phase reactors and their levels increase in acute inflammatory conditions, may not have a significant increase in chronic inflammatory conditions and malignancies.

Tumors of the maxillomandibular complex are a heterogeneous group of lesions with a wide spectrum of clinical and histopathological characteristics. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of odontogenic and non-odontogenic tumors associated with maxillary bones in a Reference Center for Oral Lesions. Methods: A cross-sectional study based on the medical records of a Reference Center for Oral Lesions at the State University of Feira de Santana, from 2006 to 2018. The data was initially analyzed in a descriptive manner. For bivariate analysis, Pearson’s chi-square test was applied. The level of significance was set at 5%, where p≤ 0.05 is considered significant. Results: The prevalence of tumors was 2.27%. The average age of the individuals was 22.2 (± 15.1) years, the majority being up to 39 years (79.59%) and female (69.40%). A statistically significant difference was observed in relation to age (p = 0.00), as well as regarding the location of tumors in the anterior or posterior region (p = 0.02). Odontogenic tumors were benign, with odontoma being most frequent (46.90%), followed by ameloblastoma (16.30%). As for the non-odontogenic, neurofibroma (4.10%) and osteoma (4.10%) were the most common across the benign, while osteosarcoma accounted for 6.10% of cases. Conclusion: Odontogenic tumors were the most frequent in women, with age up to 39 years, odontoma being most common in the posterior region of the mandible. Among nonodontogenic tumors, central neurofibroma and osteoma were the most common. Osteosarcoma was more frequent in men over 40 years old and in the mandible region.