A case of maxillary sinus carcinoma: An occult aggressive entity

Carcinoma of the maxillary sinus is a rare aggressive entity. Squamous cell carcinoma of maxillary sinus has the highest incidence among the tumors developing within the sinonasal compartment and has one of the worst outcomes in comparison with other head and neck tumors. Management of these tumors often presents an uphill task to clinicians. In the present case, the patient presented with a swelling in the left cheek region with a history of trauma and altered sensation and no other signs and symptoms. Based on the history and clinical examination, a provisional diagnosis of infraorbital fracture was given. Further, radiographic and histopathological evaluation was done which leads to the final diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the left maxillary sinus. As oral physicians, we come across diseases of the maxillary sinus; thereby, complete assessment of any pathology of the sinuses may help in early diagnosis of this deadly disease

Evaluation of changes in salivary composition in renal failure patients before and after hemodialysis

Saliva plays a major role in preserving the integrity of oral tissues. The oral health of renal failure patients could be negatively affected by the underlying pathology, the dialysis treatment, or an altered salivary composition. Major systemic changes occur during hemodialysis (HD), which could affect the flow rate and biochemical composition of saliva. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HD on the salivary flow rate, pH and biochemical composition before and after completion of a dialysis session. Thirty Renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria set forth for the study. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected by the spitting method, immediately before and after a dialysis session. Salivary flow rate, pH, concentration of urea, creatinine, sodium, chloride, potassium and calcium were measured. Hemodialysis had an acute stimulating effect on the salivary flow rate. The mean pH of UWS showed no significant changes before and after dialysis. The concentrations of urea, creatinine, chloride and potassium in whole saliva changed markedly before and after a hemodialysis session; whereas no significant difference was seen in the concentration of sodium and calcium. This study shows that HD has significant acute effects on both salivary secretion and biochemical composition in saliva. We conclude that the observed changes in salivary concentrations and flow rate are mainly due to an increased watery secretion from the salivary glands and also saliva can be used as a tool for monitoring hemodialysis

Compound-complex odontoma: A case report of a rare variant

The odontoma is a benign tumor containing all the various component tissues of the teeth. It is the most common odontogenic tumor representing 67% of all odontogenic tumors. Odontomas are considered to be developmental anomalies (hamartomas) rather than true neoplasms. Based on the degree of morphodifferentiation or on the basis of their resemblance to normal teeth, they are divided into compound and complex odontomas. The compound odontoma is composed of multiple, small tooth-like structures. The complex odontoma consists of a conglomerate mass of enamel and dentin, which bears no anatomic resemblance to a tooth. They are usually diagnosed on routine radiological examinations in the second decade of life and are often slow growing and non-aggressive in nature. Here, we report a case of rare, unusually large, compound-complex odontoma, located in the left anterior maxilla of a 13-year-old male patient

Plasma cell gingivitis: A rare and perplexing entity

Plasma cell gingivitis, an infrequent benign entity, is an inflammatory or reactive condition of the gingiva to certain allergens or to an unknown factor. It is clinically characterized by erythematous, edematous, granular/cobblestone appearance of gingival surfaces with clear demarcation from the mucogingival junction. It easily bleeds on manipulation and may be associated with a burning sensation to spicy food consumption. Histologically, the lesion shows dense plasma cell infiltrate of the connective tissue. Here, we report a case of a 12-year-old girl, who presented with this rare condition, and its management with topical and systemic corticosteroid