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So-called "hypopigmented" bitemark patterns, commonly seen but not limited to dark skinned individuals, can be of value in forensic investigations. The process of aging bitemarks observed on skin is controversial and without guidelines. This report analyzes tissue obtained from the site of a hypopigmented bitemark using special histochemical stains for the identification of melanin pigment, and a panel of immunohistochemical markers to aid in the aging process. Histologic evaluation clearly showed that cellular changes in the hypopigmented area were indicative of wound healing that had taken place over a period of time. This validates the hypothesis that a hypopigmented bitemark is an indication of a wound inflicted some days previously. These findings have value in forensic investigations, particularly in cases of suspected long-term physical abuse.

Objective : The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to report the clinical and radiological features of 92 glandular odontogenic cysts (GOCs) diagnosed over a 20-year period. Study Design : Histologically confirmed cases of GOC were retrospectively reviewed from four Oral Pathology laboratories in South Africa and Brazil to categorize the clinical and radiological spectrum of GOCs. Results : The mean age of patients was 46 years (range 17-87) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.2:1. GOCs had a mandibular predilection (68%), with 42% of all cases located anteriorly. Additionally, 42% of cases crossed the midline. Radiologically, most lesions were unilocular (53%) and uniformly radiolucent (97%), with well-demarcated borders (93%). Cortical expansion (62%), loss of cortical integrity (71%), and maxillary sinus (67%) and nasal cavity encroachment (72%) were common findings. Significant differences in lesions between the two countries were discovered in sex predilection, clinical signs and symptoms, and lesion locations within the mandible and maxilla. Conclusion : GOCs present with a wide spectrum of clinical and radiological features, ranging from cysts with typical GOC-like presentations to more aggressive lesions. The need for advanced imaging in the surgical planning of GOCs exhibiting radiological signs of aggression is justified based on the high recurrence rate.

Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive, benign epithelial odontogenic neoplasm currently classified to include conventional, unicystic, and extraosseous/peripheral subtypes. Giant cells have been reported in various malignancies but rarely in odontogenic neoplasms. To date, only a single case of unicystic ameloblastoma with stromal giant cells has been reported in the literature. We report two new cases with histologic features compatible with unicystic ameloblastoma with stromal giant cells. CD68 immunohistochemical staining of the giant cells supported a histiocytic origin. Further research is needed to better understand the origin and nature of these giant cells.

Background Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma with three variants (endemic, sporadic, and immunodeficiency-associated), presenting with specific epidemiological and clinical features. Burkitt lymphoma affects the head and neck region (BLHN) in approximately 10% of cases. The aim of this study was to undertake a comparative analysis of the clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) features of BLHN diagnosed in patients from Africa, Guatemala, and Brazil. Methods Cases diagnosed as BLHN were collected from the files of six oral pathology laboratory services (Brazil, South Africa, and Guatemala), and one Brazilian pediatric oncology hospital from 1986 to 2020. Clinicopathological and IHC data, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status by in situ hybridization data for each case were reviewed and described. Results Of the 52 cases, BLHN was predominant in pediatric patients [43 (82.69%)] and males [43 (82.69%)], with a mean age of 11.26 ± 9.68 years (range, 1-39 years). Neck and cervical lymph nodes [14 (26.92%)], and involvement of both maxilla and mandible [8 (15.38%)], were the most common anatomical sites. Clinically, tumor/swelling [40 (31.25%)], cervical lymphadenopathy [14 (10.94%)], pain [12 (9.38%)], and bone destruction [12 (9.38%)] were frequent findings. All cases showed typical morphological characteristics of BL. IHC profiles included positivity for CD20 [52 (100%)], CD10 [38 (79.17%)], Bcl6 [29 (87.88%)], and c-Myc protein [18 (81.82%)]. EBV was positive in 18 cases (62.07%). The Ki-67 index ranged from 90-100%. Conclusion The clinicopathological and EBV profile of BLHN in South African, Guatemalan and Brazilian patients is similar.

Immunosuppressed patients may be affected by a wide range of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) ranging from self-limiting disorders to malignant lymphoid proliferations. These LPDs may be associated with systemic immune disorders, develop following organ transplantation or occur in the background of other forms of iatrogenic immunosuppression. Lymphotropic viruses, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8), have been associated with the pathogenesis of distinct LPDs. The resulting classification of this group of disorders is very complex and inconsistent, with several new and emerging entities. Consequently, the diagnosis of an LPD, especially in an immunosuppressed patient, and its subsequent clinical management usually represent an important pitfall in daily clinical and pathology work. Therefore, the aim of this review was to use the available literature to describe the clinicopathological features of the most important benign LPDs that may be diagnosed in the head and neck region of immunosuppressed patients. Original clinical and microscopic images were used to illustrate some of these entities.

A 5-year-old healthy female patient presented with a one-year history of a slow-growing swelling of the right mandible. The patient reported that the swelling was slightly tender. Intraoral examination revealed a grossly carious lower right primary molar (tooth 85). A panoramic radiograph showed bony expansion of the inferior mandibular border with a lamellated or ‘onion-skin’ appearance. The trabecular bone in the vicinity had a sclerotic appearance. What is your diagnostic hypothesis?

Lymphomas affecting the sublingual glands are extremely rare and very few case reports are currently available. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to describe the clinicopathological features of a series of lymphomas involving the sublingual glands.Cases diagnosed in four pathology services were assessed and the formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were retrieved for diagnosis confirmation. Clinical data were obtained from patients' medical files.We obtained seven cases of lymphomas in the sublingual glands, representing two follicular lymphomas, two diffuse large B cell lymphomas not otherwise specified (DLBCL NOS), two extranodal marginal zone B cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT lymphomas) and one mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). In all cases the tumor cells infiltrated the glandular parenchyma, although in two of them the neoplastic cells were located more superficially and permeated the glandular acini and ducts. Clinically, the tumors presented as asymptomatic nodules and two patients (affected by DLBCL NOS and MCL) died, while the other five patients remained alive at last follow-up.Lymphomas affecting the sublingual glands are usually of the mature B cell lineage, often represent low-grade subtypes and may clinically resemble other more common lesions in the floor of the mouth like salivary gland tumors.

Objective The aim of this study was to report the clinicopathologic features of 62 cases of central odontogenic fibroma (COdF). Study Design Clinical and radiographic data were collected from the records of 13 oral pathology laboratories. All cases were microscopically reviewed, considering the current World Health Organization classification of tumors and were classified according to histopathologic features. Results There were 43 females and 19 males (average age 33.9 years; range 8–63 years). Clinically, COdF lesions appeared as asymptomatic swellings, occurring similarly in the maxilla (n = 33) and the mandible (n = 29); 9 cases exhibited palatal depression. Imaging revealed well-defined, interradicular unilocular (n = 27), and multilocular (n = 12) radiolucencies, with displacement of contiguous teeth (55%) and root resorption (46.4%). Microscopically, classic features of epithelial-rich (n = 33), amyloid (n = 10), associated giant cell lesion (n = 7), ossifying (n = 6), epithelial-poor (n = 3), and granular cell (n = 3) variants were seen. Langerhans cells were highlighted by CD1a staining in 17 cases. Most patients underwent conservative surgical treatments, with 1 patient experiencing recurrence. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the largest clinicopathologic study of COdF. Most cases appeared as locally aggressive lesions located in tooth-bearing areas in middle-aged women. Inactive-appearing odontogenic epithelium is usually observed within a fibrous/fibromyxoid stroma, occasionally exhibiting amyloid deposits, multinucleated giant cells, or granular cells.

All names and places have been changed to protect innocent victims in this case report. A young woman was returning home after work when she was accosted by a man wielding a knife. She was dragged into a nearby bush where the suspect attempted to rape her. She put up a substantial fight and was able to flee the scene. She went directly to the nearest police station to report the case. She was asked by the police to accompany them in the hope that she might recognise the suspect at the local taxi rank, which was near the scene of the crime. She did in fact recognise the suspect who was duly arrested. He denied any knowledge of the crime for which he was being apprehended. The victim informed the police that she had remembered biting the suspect on his right shoulder during the attack and ensuing struggle. The suspect was asked to roll up his right sleeve where a possible bitemark wound was observed. The suspect was taken into custody for further investigations. Fortunately, the police officer in charge of the case had attended a lecture on bitemarks given by the second author some weeks before the incident and was therefore well-versed in the protocol for the collection of evidence in a bitemark case. The officer arranged that photographs and impressions of the possible bitemark were taken for forensic analysis. Unfortunately, swobs of the bitemark were not conducted, therefore DNA and ABO blood group antigen analysis could not be performed. Impressions of the victim’s dentition were also taken from which plaster models were constructed. All dental materials used in this case were mixed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and were within their expiry dates. This evidence was submitted to the forensic odontology unit at the University of Pretoria for examination and comparative analysis

Primary mixed neuroendocrine-nonneuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN) of the head and neck region is a rare biphasic tumor with an aggressive biological behavior. This report highlights an additional case of oropharyngeal MiNEN in a 46-year-old male patient with a previous long-term smoking history. Histologic evaluation revealed a biphasic tumor infiltrating the lamina propria. The first component consisted of a classic keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The second component consisted of small-to-intermediate sized cells with neuroendocrine features. Synaptophysin and CD56 immunohistochemical stains confirmed neuroendocrine lineage in this component. The presence of two morphological components with neuroendocrine and nonneuroendocrine features on histologic assessment should alert the pathologist to consider a MiNEN in their case work-up.

Microvascular disease and rarefaction are key pathological hallmarks of hypertension. The retina uniquely allows direct, non-invasive investigation of the microvasculature. Recently developed optical coherence tomography angiography now allows investigation of the fine retinal capillaries, which may provide a superior marker of overall vascular damage. This was a prospective cross-sectional study to collect retinal capillary density data on 300 normal eyes from 150 hypertensive adults, and to investigate possible associations with other organ damage markers. The average age of participants was 54 years and there was a greater proportion of males (85; 57%) than females. Multivariate, confounder adjusted linear regression showed that retinal capillary rarefaction in the parafovea was associated with increased pulse wave velocity (β = − 0.4, P = 0.04), log-albumin/creatinine ratio (β = − 0.71, P = 0.003), and with reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (β = 0.04, P = 0.02). Comparable significant associations were also found for whole-image vascular-density, for foveal vascular-density significant associations were found with pulse wave velocity and estimated glomerular filtration rate only. Our results indicate that retinal capillary rarefaction is associated with arterial stiffness and impaired kidney function. Retinal capillary rarefaction may represent a useful and simple test to assess the integrated burden of hypertension on the microvasculature irrespective of current blood pressure levels.

Keratoameloblastoma (KA) is an uncommon and controversial variant of ameloblastoma exhibiting central keratinisation. Due to their rarity, there is limited information in the literature on their clinical, radiologic and histologic features. This study adds seven additional cases of KA to the literature, and reviews the current published literature on this rare entity.KAs were retrospectively reviewed over a 20-year period from three Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Laboratories. Included cases were examined and the diagnosis confirmed under conventional microscopy. Immunohistochemistry with the use of a monoclonal antibody against calretinin was performed on included cases. The clinical, radiologic and histologic features of the seven new cases of KA were analysed and compared to existing cases in the literature.KAs presented at a mean age of 40 years with a nearly equal gender distribution and a mandibular predilection (65%). The majority (92%) of cases presented with localised swelling with associated pain in 32% of cases. Mixed density or internal calcifications were noted in 40% of cases. All tumours presented with bony expansion, with cortical destruction noted in 62% of cases. Histologically, all tumours consisted of solid and cystic follicles with surface parakeratinisation and lamellated accumulations of central keratin. In areas the cystic follicles had an epithelial lining suggestive of an OKC. There were focal luminal areas of loosely arranged polygonal cells reminiscent of the stellate reticulum. The basal cells consisted of columnar cells with evidence of palisading and prominent subnuclear vacuolisation. Of the cases treated via tumour resection, 27% presented with tumour recurrence.This case series reports seven additional cases of KA, taking the total to 26 reported cases. The identification of subtle histologic features, including focal stellate reticulum-like central areas, subnuclear vacuolisation and lamellated-type central keratinisation, are key in diagnosing KA. The radiologic features will often indicate signs of aggressiveness such as cortical destruction, differentiating KA from OKC. All cases were completely negative for calretinin IHC, limiting its use in distinguishing KA from OKC. Further large series are needed to expand the current understanding of this rare variant of ameloblastoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) commonly affects older patients; however, several studies have documented an increase in its incidence among younger patients. Therefore, it is important to investigate if this trend is also found in different geographic regions. The pathology files of diagnostic and therapeutic institutions from different parts of the globe were searched for OSCC cases diagnosed from 1998 to 2018. Data regarding the sex, age, and tumor location of all cases, as well as the histologic grade and history of exposure to risk habits of cases diagnosed as OSCC in young patients (≤ 40 years of age) were obtained. The Chi-square test was used to determine any increasing trend. A total of 10,727 OSCC cases were identified, of which 626 cases affected young patients (5.8%). Manipal institution (India) showed the highest number of young patients (13.2%). Males were the most affected in both age groups, with the tongue and floor of the mouth being the most affected subsites. OSCC in young individuals were usually graded as well or moderately differentiated. Only 0.9% of the cases occurred in young patients without a reported risk habit. There was no increasing trend in the institutions and the period investigated (p > 0.05), but a decreasing trend was observed in Hong Kong and the sample as a whole (p

Ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma (GCOC) is a rare malignant neoplasm, representing 3% of all ghost cell lesions of the jaws. They can arise de novo or from a pre-existing calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) or dentinogenic ghost cell tumour (DGCT). A systematic review of the literature reported only 12 cases of a GCOC arising from a pre-existing COC. This report highlights an additional case of a GCOC arising from a pre-existing COC after 3 years in an adolescent male. The patient initially presented with a painless swelling of the right mandibular corpus. Panoramic radiographic examination showed an expansive unilocular radiolucent lesion. After 3 years, the radiographic features appeared more aggressive with increased expansion and cortical perforation. A wide surgical resection was performed, whereby the lesion was diagnosed as a GCOC. Due to the rarity of these malignant neoplasms, limited information is available regarding their biological behaviour. One-year follow-up revealed no clinical signs of recurrence.

A 33-year-old female patient presented at a private specialist practice (Periodontics and Oral Medicine) with a main complaint of sore and bleeding gums, fever, headaches and sinus pain. The gingiva became irritated, red and swollen five weeks prior to the first consultation in July 2018. She was referred by her dentist one month after prescribing two consecutive courses of antibiotics and providing oral hygiene instructions to the patient, with no significant improvement. The first prescription was for Augmentin 375mg t.d.s. for 5 days and the second prescription two weeks later was for Amoxycillin 250 mg t.d.s. and Metronidazole 200mg t.d.s. for 5 days. The patient was also using a chlorhexidine mouth rinse.

The details of this case have been omitted in order to maintain anonymity. An elderly male was reported missing from his home by his family. Initially, an inquiry and missing person's docket was opened. On investigation, several suspicious findings, along with other emerging evidence led to the case being changed into one of kidnapping. Unbeknown to the investigating officers, around the same time a body had been found buried in a shallow grave about 200 kilometers from the missing person's home (First burial). The body had been taken to the state mortuary were a post-mortem was performed. At that stage there was no connection made to the missing person's case and after the body remained unclaimed, the corpse was given a pauper's funeral (Second burial).

The purpose of the current study was to report on the clinical presentation and radiological features of 72 cases of oral and maxillofacial plasmablastic lymphomas (PBL).Histologically confirmed cases of PBL were retrospectively reviewed over a 10-year period. Demographic and clinical data were retrieved from the patient's records. Radiological information was obtained from the available radiographic examinations.The prevalence of PBL was 0.6% of diagnosed head and neck lesions. PBL presented at a mean age of 39 years, demonstrating a strong male predominance. All patients with a known retroviral disease (RVD) status were HIV-positive. PBL had a maxillary predilection (78%), with posterior regions of both jawbones most commonly affected (76%). Most cases had bony involvement (95%), with poorly demarcated bony borders seen in the majority of cases (93%). PBL had a tendency to cause a loss of cortical integrity (96%), either via cortical erosion or destruction, rather than cortical expansion (2%).Most of the current literature on PBL focuses on demographics, anatomical location, and histopathological profile, with radiological features only reported in isolated case reports. This study is the first of its kind to report on the clinicoradiological appearance of PBL in a large sample. These findings may assist clinicians in the clinical diagnostic work-up of patients, including the acquisition and assessment of appropriate advanced radiographic imaging.

To investigate the clinicopathologic features of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) involving the oral and maxillofacial region.The MCL cases were retrieved from the pathosis database of 6 pathology laboratories. Original hematoxylin and eosin slides and immunohistochemical reactions were reviewed for confirmation of the initial diagnosis. Clinical data of the cases were obtained from the patients' pathosis and/or medical charts.Twenty cases were included in the study, showing a male predominance and a mean age of 66 years. The oral cavity (12 cases) and the oropharynx (5 cases) were the most commonly involved subsites. Most cases presented as asymptomatic swellings, with 2 cases showing bilateral involvement of the palate. The classic histologic variant predominated (12/20 cases). All cases expressed CD20 with nuclear cyclin D1 positivity. SOX11 was seen in 9/13 cases, CD5 in 6/16 cases, Bcl2 in 16/19 cases, CD10 in 2/20 cases, and Bcl6 in 4/16 cases. Ki67 showed a mean proliferation index of 40.6%. The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was negative in all cases investigated. Follow-up data was available for 7 patients, with 5 currently alive and 2 deceased.Mantle cell lymphoma, albeit rare, may manifest in the oral and maxillofacial region. Its histologic heterogeneity demands a high degree of diagnostic skill from pathologists.

This study reports 9 additional tongue hamartomas in children paired with a literature review. A retrospective analysis was performed from 3 Oral Pathology laboratories. Additionally, a literature review was conducted through 5 electronic databases and gray literature. A total of 9 cases were identified in the retrospective analysis. Females outnumbered males with a ratio of 1.25:1. The age of presentation ranged from 2 weeks to 7 years. The posterior dorsum tongue was the most affected subsite (n = 4). One case was seen in a patient with oro-facial-digital syndrome, 2 cases in patients with cleft palates, and one case with an encephalocele. The most common predominant component was salivary gland tissue (n = 4). A literature search included 79 pediatric patients presenting with 95 tongue hamartomas. A slight female (n = 47) predilection was observed, with ages varying from 15 hours to 19 years. The posterior tongue dorsum (n = 31) was the most affected site. Seven cases were seen in association with syndromes. The most common predominant component was smooth muscle (n = 35). Although hamartomas are rare in the oral cavity, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of masses involving the posterior tongue dorsum in children.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) commonly affects older patients; however, several studies have documented an increase in its incidence among younger patients. Therefore, it is important to investigate if this trend is also found in different geographic regions. The pathology files of diagnostic and therapeutic institutions from different parts of the globe were searched for OSCC cases diagnosed from 1998 to 2018. Data regarding the sex, age, and tumor location of all cases, as well as the histologic grade and history of exposure to risk habits of cases diagnosed as OSCC in young patients (≤ 40 years of age) were obtained. The Chi-square test was used to determine any increasing trend. A total of 10,727 OSCC cases were identified, of which 626 cases affected young patients (5.8%). Manipal institution (India) showed the highest number of young patients (13.2%). Males were the most affected in both age groups, with the tongue and floor of the mouth being the most affected subsites. OSCC in young individuals were usually graded as well or moderately differentiated. Only 0.9% of the cases occurred in young patients without a reported risk habit. There was no increasing trend in the institutions and the period investigated (p 0.05), but a decreasing trend was observed in Hong Kong and the sample as a whole (p 0.001). In conclusion there was no increase of OSCC in young patients in the institutions investigated and young white females not exposed to any known risk factor represented a rare group of patients affected by OSCC.

Two paediatric male patients presented with painless bilateral facial swellings (Figures 1 and 2A&B). What are the pertinent radiological findings and your diagnostic hypothesis?

Background Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is an aggressive neoplasm that commonly develops in HIV-positive patients, usually affecting the oral cavity. EBV is present in the majority of cases, therefore playing an important role in the pathogenesis of this neoplasm. Methods PBL diagnosed from 2000 to 2020 were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. The patients' clinical information including gender, age, tumour location and HIV status were obtained from the original histopathology request forms. A morphological description was assessed using H&E-stained slides, with diagnoses confirmed by immunohistochemistry, and EBV detection performed via in situ hybridisation. Results During the 20-year period investigated, 113 PBL were found. Males outnumbered females (M:F ratio of 3:1), with a median age of 41 years (range 8 to 62). The gingiva (50 cases or 44.2%) and the palate (23 cases or 20.4%) were the most affected sites. All cases with available information were HIV-positive. The tumours were composed of a diffuse proliferation of immunoblasts or plasmablasts in all cases. A starry-sky pattern, tissue necrosis, cellular pleomorphism and mitotic figures were common microscopic findings. IHC for CD3 and CD20 were negative in all cases, while positivity for CD38, CD138 and MUM1 was observed in 70.2%, 79.2% and 98.9%, respectively. EBV was present in 100% of the cases. Conclusion PBL is a frequent diagnosis in South Africa, due to the country's HIV burden, where it usually affects the oral cavity and is always associated with EBV-infection.

A 53-year-old female patient presented with a two-week history of intermittently painful oral mucosal lesions when eating spicy, salty or sour foods. The patient reported a long-term history of psoriasis treated by topical corticosteroids only. The remainder of the patient's medical history was unremarkable. On intraoral examination, lesions were noted bilaterally in the posterior buccal commissures, appearing as centrally erosive lesions bound by white striations (Figure 1). Additionally, there were areas of desquamative gingivitis in the anterior maxillary gingiva. The clinical suspicion was that of oral lichen planus or oral lichenoid lesions. An incision biopsy from the left buccal mucosa was performed and submitted for histo-logical assessment.

This textbook represents an up-to-date, comprehensive compilation of the field of Forensic Odontology. The chapters have been uniquely structured to take the reader through all aspects of this discipline in a methodical and logical approach. Authors for each section were carefully selected as being internationally recognised experts and renowned amongst their peers in their particular field of Forensic Odontology. The material in this textbook is presented in a manner that is both interesting and clear for novices in the discipline, while at the same time offering highly informative, cutting-edge information for experts practising Forensic Odontology. The book begins with a chronology of the origin of Forensic Odontology dating back to 1477, using intriguing real-life cases to set the theme for the rest of the book.

During oral pathology daily practice, true amyloid may be identified in oral amyloidosis and several odontogenic tumors. However, histologic examination often reveals other oral and perioral diseases with similar eosinophilic, acellular, amorphous substances. These include extensive areas of collagenous sclerosis, fibrin deposition, elastic fiber degeneration, and dentinoid material, which may resemble amyloid under light microscopic examination. These materials are often termed "amyloid-like" due to their close histologic resemblance to true amyloid. The rarity of most of these conditions and their strong histologic similarity may hamper an accurate diagnosis. Definitive diagnosis of these lesions may require clinical correlation; laboratory evaluation; histochemical or immunohistochemical reactions; and, in some cases, genetic investigation. In this review, we describe the main clinicopathologic features of this group of diseases that may manifest in the oral and/or perioral regions and that have in common the presence of amyloid-like material deposition.

Oral and maxillofacial metastasis may be the first indication of an undiscovered malignancy in a significant number of cases. Therefore, the rationale of this article is to highlight the clinical and radiological presentation of metastatic lesions involving the oral and maxillofacial region. This will serve as a reference for clinicians, who may first encounter patients with possible metastatic lesions in this region. Histologically confirmed cases of oral and maxillofacial metastasis were retrospectively reviewed over a 30-year period. Twenty-three patients were included in the study. The following clinical information was reviewed: age at diagnosis, gender, medical history, main complaint, site of metastatic tumour, radiological features, preliminary clinical diagnosis and final histological diagnosis. Females were twice as commonly affected, with metastatic lesions three times more likely to occur in the mandible. Common clinical presentations included swelling, pain and paraesthesia, with non-specific dental-related symptoms occurring in a few cases. Fifteen cases presented radiologically with an osteolytic lesion with poorly demarcated margins. Four cases presented with well demarcated lesions with additional signs of destruction. Additionally, four cases showed an osteogenic radiological appearance. In the current population sample, metastasis to the oral and maxillofacial region most commonly originated from the breast. Lesions with poorly demarcated margins with cortical destruction, accompanied by clinical signs of swelling, pain and paraesthesia in the absence of any inflammatory process, should raise suspicion for metastasis. Considering the poor prognosis of these metastatic lesions, the responsibility lies with the clinician to identify these lesions and make appropriate referrals.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour in both adults and children. Histological grading of MEC is subjective, but plays an important role in predicting patient prognosis. Epithelial mucin (MUC) status may aid in establishing a more accurate grade. This study aimed to investigate the expression of various mucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC4 and MUC5AC) in MECs to determine a possible correlation with tumour grade. Fifteen cases of each tumour grade (low-, intermediate-, and high-grade) were retrieved from the pathology archives of the Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Biology at the University of Pretoria. The patients included 23 men and 22 women, and ranged from 13 to 85 years (mean 49.8 years). Sections from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue were used for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for MAML2 rearrangements and MUC immunohistochemical analysis. The percentage immunohistochemical expression of the neoplastic mucous cells was evaluated first, followed by the overall percentage expression of all tumour cells. The results indicated that MUC1 overexpression may be a reliable marker of high-grade MECs, whereas MUC4 overexpression may be more indicative of low-grade tumours. MUC5AC expression was considered an unreliable marker in determining grade. MUC2 was only expressed in a single case of MEC and may be considered a useful marker to exclude MEC as a diagnostic possibility. This study demonstrates that MECs show an altered MUC expression pattern that can be used for diagnostic purposes and to aid in establishing a more accurate tumour grade.

Natural disasters, fatal accidents, and violent criminal offences are part of everyday life. All of these may result in fatalities that shatter the lives of the victim’s families and friends. Their trauma is compounded by the fact that all unnatural deaths have to be investigated, and the bodies of the deceased positively identified before they can be released to the families for burial. Bodies of victims of violent crimes, fires, drowning, motor vehicle or aviation accidents, work place fatalities or situations where some time has elapsed since death may be so disfigured that “identification by a family member is neither possible or desirable”. Often the nature or degree of the injury may be so extensive that fingerprinting is also not a viable option. DNA analysis may be considered, however it takes time and is a costly procedure. There are also concerns with maintaining strict control over the chain of evidence during all additional procedures and tests. Thus, in these situations the forensic odontologist may be called in as part of the investigative team.

Sublingual dermoid cysts and oral heterotopic gastrointestinal cysts are well-documented causes of sublingual swellings in infants. However, the simultaneous occurrence of both cysts is an extremely rare phenomenon, with only two previous cases reported in literature. We present a case of 1-month-old neonate with a cystic ventral tongue mass that on histologic examination showed a dermoid cyst with co-existing heterotopic gastric-type epithelium in the wall. Additional histochemical stains revealed focal areas of colonic metaplasia within the heterotopic gastric epithelium. CDX2 immunohistochemical staining confirmed derivation from colonic epithelium.

The presence of non-odontogenic cysts associated with benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws has been well documented. However, literature is scant when describing benign fibro-osseous lesions with associated odontogenic cysts. This case report highlights the presence of a concurrent developmental odontogenic cyst, glandular odontogenic cyst with extensive squamous metaplasia, in a patient with florid cemento-osseous dysplasia (COD). The postulated pathogenesis of these synchronous lesions is discussed along with a review of current literature. Surgical treatment is discouraged for florid COD, however, radiological follow-up is recommended, especially in lesions with associated cysts.

A 64-year-old male patient, who is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive on treatment, presented with atwo-year history of a painful swelling involving the left parotid gland. Cone beam computerised tomographic (CBCT) imaging was performed (Figures A-D). What are the pertinent radiological findings and your diagnostic hypothesis?

Purpose: The retinal blood vessels reflect changes in the brain’s micro-circulation and these changes have been shown to correlate with the incidence of diseases such as stroke, heart disease and A...

Odontogenic lesions in the opercula may result in delayed eruption of primary molars. CASE REPORT: This case presents a rare occurrence of delayed eruption of four primary molars causing interference with normal function. The lesions were surgically excised to expose the underlying first deciduous molars. Histopathological analysis of the excised tissue revealed hamartomatous lesions. These lesions appeared histologically identical to those of an odontogenic giant cell fibroma, consisting of odontogenic epithelial islands with scattered giant cells and histiocytes in a surrounding dense fibrous connective tissue stroma. Occasional dyskeratotic cells were also noted with an intermixed mild, chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate CONCLUSION: Eruption cysts are traditionally left untreated to resolve spontaneously with the eruption of the underlying teeth. However, lesions that stay unresolved or interfere with function should be surgically excised and sent for histological analysis. The presence of hamartomas in the oper-culum should be considered as a differential diagnosis in persistent unerupted deciduous and permanent teeth

Cortical cholinergic deficiency is prominent in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and published findings of diminished pupil flash response in AD suggest that this deficiency may extend to the visual cortical areas and anterior eye. Pupillometry is a low-cost, noninvasive technique that may be useful for monitoring cholinergic deficits which generally lead to memory and cognitive disorders. The aim of the study was to evaluate pupillometry for early detection of AD by comparing the pupil flash response (PFR) in AD (N=14) and cognitively normal healthy control (HC,N=115) participants, with the HC group stratified according to high (N=38) and low (N=77) neocortical amyloid burden (NAB). Constriction phase PFR parameters were significantly reduced in AD compared to HC (maximum accelerationp<0.05, maximum velocityp<0.0005, average velocityp<0.005, and constriction amplitudep<0.00005). The high-NAB HC subgroup had reduced PFR response cross-sectionally, and also a greater decline longitudinally, compared to the low-NAB subgroup, suggesting changes to pupil response in preclinical AD. The results suggest that PFR changes may occur in the preclinical phase of AD. Hence, pupillometry has a potential as an adjunct for noninvasive, cost-effective screening for preclinical AD.