Imprint cytology of osteosarcoma of the jaw: a case report

Introduction. Osteosarcomas are highly malignant bone-forming neoplasms that account for about 20% of all sarcomas. In light of their aggressive behavior, early diagnosis is crucial for determining adequate treatment. Dental professionals may be the first to detect jaw osteosarcomas in their initial stages. The aim of this case report is to draw attention to the possibility of diagnosing this tumor based on clinical, radiographical and cytological characteristics before confirmation by histology. Case presentation. A 24-year-old Afro-Brazilian man presented with swelling and pain on the left side of the mandible in the region of the third molar (tooth 38). Radiography showed a poorly delimited intraosseous lesion with radiolucent and radiopaque areas. The cytological aspects were consistent with the diagnosis of osteosarcoma, which was confirmed by biopsy. Conclusion. Imprint cytology was found to be a reliable, rapid and easy complementary examination. An early diagnosis of osteosarcoma of the jaw is fundamental to the early determination of an adequate treatment. © 2009 Cabral et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd

Transition from hopeless dentition to full-arch fixed-implant-supported rehabilitation by a staged extraction approach: rationale and technique.

Transition from a hopeless dentition to a fixed-implant-supported full-arch reconstruction can be difficult for patients if wearing a transitional removable denture is involved. In addition, an increased risk for trauma to bone augmentation areas and to the implant-bone interface exists when using a removable transitional complete denture during the implant healing period; such risk can compromise implant success or increase crestal bone loss around implants before the final restoration. This article describes a treatment approach that allows replacement of the hopeless dentition with an osseointegrated fixed prosthesis, without rendering the patient totally edentulous before the delivery of the final implant-supported prosthesis. A staged approach using a few hopeless teeth to support a provisional fixed restoration during the healing process can help avoid discomfort and improve implants' outcome. A treatment plan for a maxillary arch reconstruction is used to illustrate the staged approach protocol. This protocol addresses patients' psychologic need to remain dentate during partial or full-mouth rehabilitation, while providing good esthetics and function during restoration of a dental arch

Correlation between the BANA Test and Oral Malodor Parameters

The purpose of the present investigation was to test the association between the BANA test (Perioscan®, Oral-B), and oral malodor parameters. The subject population consisted of 52 Israeli adults, 43 of whom complained of oral malodor. Oral malodor measurements consisted of peak and steady-state volatile sulphide measurement by a portable sulphide monitor (Interscan Corp., model 1170), as well as organoleptic measurements of malodor from whole mouth, tongue, and saliva. Samples for the BANA test were obtained from four loci (shallow pocket, deep pocket, tongue dorsum, saliva); results were scored as negative (0), weak (1), or strong (2). BANA scores were significantly associated with odor-judge ratings, with the highest association obtained when BANA saliva scores and odor-judge saliva assessment were compared (r = 0.500; p < 0.001). BANA tests from the different loci were not significantly associated with sulphide monitor levels. Stepwise multiple-regression analysis of odor-judge measurements in terms of sulphide levels and average BANA scores showed that both log peak sulphide levels as well as BANA scores were significantly factored into the equations, yielding, in all cases, highly significant correlations (multiple r = 0.57, 0.50, and 0.59, respectively, with significance levels of 0.0001, 0.001, and < 0.0001, for whole mouth, tongue, and saliva malodor, respectively). The results suggest that the BANA scores are associated with a component of oral malodor which is independent of volatile sulphide measurements and suggest its use as an adjunct test to volatile sulphide measurement.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66772/2/10.1177_00220345940730050401.pd

Low-Grade Osteosarcoma of the Mandible

Osteosarcoma (OS), a rare malignant bone tumour arising from primitive bone forming mesenchyme, most often arises in the metaphyses of long bones of the extremities. Bone or osteoid formation within the tumour is characteristic of an osteosarcoma. Craniofacial osteosarcoma (CFOS), most often located in the mandible or maxilla, accounts for only 5–13% of all osteosarcomas. In general, OS of the jaw is a high-grade lesion. Low-grade lesions are rare and represent less than 2% of all osteosarcomas reported in the literature. Because of its rarity and well differentiation, Low-grade OS is usually misdiagnosed as a benign lesion. The clinical and radiographic presentation does not correlate well with the subtle histology picture of a low-grade osteosarcoma which makes the diagnosis difficult