Generalized Gingival Pyogenic Granuloma in a 11 Years Old Female – A Diagnostic Challenge

Aims: To include pyogenic granuloma as one of the differential diagnosis of generalized gingival enlargements. Presentation of Case: In this article, we report a 11 years old female patient with generalized gingival enlargement, which on thorough clinical, histopathological and radiological examination concluded as a generalized gingival pyogenic granuloma. Discussion: Pyogenic granuloma (PG), a non specific conditioned gingival enlargement is a common localized exaggerated reactive hyperplasia of connective tissue of the oral cavity or skin in response to local factors and chronic irritation. But PG presenting as a generalized gingival enlargement is very rare and uncommon. Only one case was reported on “Generalized gingival pyogenic granuloma” in 2011, showing its rarity. But in our case, in addition to generalized presentation of pyogenic granuloma, it was also associated with extensive alveolar bone loss, tooth mobility and root resorption. Conclusion: Hence, although it is uncommon, pyogenic granuloma can also occur as a generalized gingival enlargement

Rare Occurrence of Herpes Zoster of Trigeminal Nerve following Extraction of Tooth

Herpes Zoster also known as Shingles is an acute viral infection which is an extremely painful and incapacitating ailment. It results from the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. The triggering factors for the onset of an attack of Herpes Zoster include some form of immunosuppression. The diagnosis of Herpes Zoster can be made on proper medical history and a thorough clinical examination. Here is the report of a male patient affected by Herpes Zoster infection which followed after extraction of a lower first molar

Targeted therapy: A novel approach in head and neck cancer

The majority of patients with head and neck cancer present with locally advanced disease. Locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (LA-SCCHN) poses one of the most complex management challenges. This stage of disease is still potentially curable, but requires combined-modality therapy. One of the novel approaches is the use of targeted agents, particularly the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors, in treatment strategies in LA-SCCHN. A Medline search covering topics related to targeted therapies in head and neck cancer over the last two decades was made and the facts were compiled. Cetuximab was the first novel agent to obtain regulatory approval in the United States for the treatment of patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer HNSCC. Cetuximab has been evaluated in combination with radiotherapy, chemo-radiotherapy, and induction chemotherapies, and was found to increase the overall survival rates in all the arms without raising the toxicity level of the combined modality of treatment significantly. The tyrosine kinase inhibitors Gefinitib and Erlotinib also produced an average response rate of 11% and 4% in different studies and also prolonged the disease control rates when used with chemotherapy. This paper will review the role of targeted agents, particularly the EGFR inhibitors, in the present treatment strategies in advanced, recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer

Lipoma in the Palate: A Rare Presentation

Lipoma is the benign tumor of adipose tissue. It constitutes about 1 to 2% of all benign neoplasms of the oral cavity. Intraorally, it occurs predominantly in the buccal mucosa followed by tongue, floor of the mouth, buccal vestibule and rarely in the palate and gingiva. A 72-year-old lady reported with a swelling in the hard plate for the past three years. Clinically the swelling was pale pink in color and had a broad peduncle. The swelling was soft to fine in consistency and mobile. A provisional diagnosis of a benign minor salivary gland neoplasm was made. The tumor was excised and histopathological examination showed it to be a fibrolipoma. Lipoma occurring in the palate is rare with only six cases reported in the literature so far. This case of oral lipoma occurring in the hard plate is reported for its rarity and can be considered as a rare possibility in the differential diagnosis of various swellings of the palate

Mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients – A case series from a dental college in South India

Introduction: Incidence of mucormycosis has increased recently due to rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is a hyper-ferritemic state paving a way for easy growth of mucor species. COVID-19 infection results in an immunocompromised state due to the steroid therapy administered to patients and the infection itself. The presence of co-morbidities makes patients more susceptible to acquire mucor infection. Mucormycosis spreads rapidly, associated with aggressive angioinvasion, leading to ischemic necrosis of surrounding tissues. Due to its rapid spread and angioinvasion, mucormycosis is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Treatment Planning: Early diagnosis and proper treatment planning are crucial to prevent further spread of infection, where dentists play an important role. Discussion: This case series is mainly focused on patients reported to the oral medicine department with complaints of discomfort or mobility of teeth in the maxillary region while explaining the role of dentists in diagnosing and treating the disease

A preliminary radiological study emphasizing on anatomic patterns of pterygoid plates using cone beam computed tomography

Introduction: This article emphasizes the importance of pterygoid plates (PP) and their anatomical characteristics while adding points about the relation between PP asymmetry and resulting temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJD). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzes 100 Cone Beam Computed Tomography images. Morphometric analysis of the shape, thickness, and angulation of PP and pterygoid fossae (PF) was done. Statistical analysis was performed using Paired t-test and ANOVA. Results: Five different shapes of PP were noted, the tapered form was more prevalent (P < 0.01), and the needle form had the least thickness, which is prone to fracture. Three different shapes of PF were noted, namely U, V, W. V shape was more common. Males had increased thickness than females in medial and lateral pterygoid (P = 0.005). Conclusion: Owing to their location and relations to their adjacent structures, PP plays a vital role during various surgical procedures. Oral and maxillofacial surgical procedure planning must be done following the evaluation of PP as there is an increased risk of complication due to PP fracture. PP gives attachment to a few muscles and ligaments essential for jaw movements. Any deviation of PP from normal may result in temporomandibular joint disorders

Rare Occurrence of Herpes Zoster of Trigeminal Nerve following Extraction of Tooth

Herpes Zoster also known as Shingles is an acute viral infection which is an extremely painful and incapacitating ailment. It results from the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. The triggering factors for the onset of an attack of Herpes Zoster include some form of immunosuppression. The diagnosis of Herpes Zoster can be made on proper medical history and a thorough clinical examination. Here is the report of a male patient affected by Herpes Zoster infection which followed after extraction of a lower first molar