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Capillary intraosseous hemangioma is a benign vascular neoplasm that affects bone tissue, yet its occurrence in the jaw bones has been seldom reported in the literature. We present a case of a capillary intraosseous hemangioma located in the mandibular symphysis of a 28-year-old male. Initially addressed by the patient's dentist as an infectious lesion of endodontic origin, the sudden worsening of the condition, marked by the development of a rapidly expanding exophytic mandibular lesion and tooth mobility, led to the consideration of various potential diagnoses. Subsequently, an incisional biopsy was performed, triggering multiple episodes of recurrent bleeding, leading to several visits to the emergency department, and prompting an urgent status upgrade for the patient. Upon the histological diagnosis of vascular neoplasm, the patient underwent the excision of the lesion, with a favorable and uneventful evolution, although with expected sequelae. As a result, a temporary prosthetic solution, comprising a Maryland Bridge, was implemented, with plans for guided bone regeneration and implant-supported fixed dental prostheses currently in progress. This case underscores the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with this rare condition. Consequently, achieving the optimal outcome for the patient largely depends on a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing the critical importance of thorough preoperative assessment, along with a well-devised treatment plan and rapid intervention., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Cerqueira et al.)

Gastric heterotopia is characterized by the presence of mature gastric tissue outside the stomach, yet its occurrence in the palate has not been previously documented. We describe a case of gastric heterotopia in the hard palate of an elderly female patient, presenting as a swollen mass with associated secretion. Given the patient's age and clinical symptoms, a presumptive diagnosis of a malignant tumor originating from the minor salivary glands was made. An incisional biopsy of the mass revealed gastric heterotopia. Subsequently, the extended excision of the lesion was performed, leading to the full resolution of the patient's symptoms. After a two-year follow-up period, no evidence of recurrence was observed. The importance of this case, underscored by the unprecedented location of gastric heterotopia, emphasizes the critical need for thorough evaluation to avert misdiagnosis, as well as the complete surgical excision of the lesion to prevent recurrence., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Correia et al.)

Bullying has reached epidemic proportions, affecting one in three students worldwide. A pervasive issue that carries profound physical, mental, and social consequences, significantly increasing the risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors among those who experience this type of harassment and hazing. While physicians and most caregivers are fully aware and competent in identifying signs of self-harming behavior such as scratching, cutting, or burning the skin, oral self-injury is often overlooked as a potential indicator and is associated with unintentional soft tissue biting or specific conditions. We present a rare case of a 14-year-old male who sought medical attention due to severe bilateral tongue ulcers, leading to his admittance to the emergency department (ED) with excruciating pain and feeding difficulties. In the reported case, although the traumatic biting of the tongue emerged as the most probable etiological factor, a specific underlying motive and contextual comprehension were initially absent. It was only after successfully establishing a foundation of trust with the patient, enabling an honest response, that it became evident that the observed lesions represented a manifestation of bullying-induced non-suicidal self-injury. However, patients rarely openly acknowledge intentional self-inflicted lesions and/or their experiences of bullying, underscoring the necessity to maintain vigilance for alternative indicators such as behavioral changes or a noticeable decline in academic productivity. The significance of this case also goes beyond its presentation, highlighting the largely unexplored issue of how a patient's dentofacial features can serve as substantial catalysts for bullying. Therefore, it is only through equally prioritizing awareness of uncommon signs, symptoms, and context that one can expedite early diagnosis and intervention, emphasizing the essential need for comprehensive and timely management of such cases., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Quitério et al.)