Tonsillolith: a report of three clinical cases

Tonsillolith is a rare dystrophic calcification as a result of chronic inflammation of the tonsils. Three asymptomatic cases of tonsillolith are reported, incidentally discovered through panoramic radiographs, which showed different sizes of radiopaque images, varying from 2 to 5 mm; cases I and III images did not overlap the mandible ramus, which led to a probable diagnosis of soft tissue calcification. Case II had radiopaque unilateral images, with osseous tissue density, overlapping the mandibular ramus, leading to a benign intra-osseous lesion, which was considered as differential diagnosis. No symptoms were reported in any case. Only case I had clinical characteristics, showing highly consistent white plaques partially visible through the mucosa. Computed tomography of the maxillofacial region/head and neck were requested to find out the exact location of these images, since most of the overlapping radiopaque images in the mandibular ramus were very similar to intra-osseous abnormalities. The computed tomography showed hyperdense images in the palatine tonsils, confirming the diagnosis of tonsillolith. The patients are currently under follow-up. No treatment is required if there is no symptom. In conclusion, tonsillolith might show images on panoramic radiographs similar to intra osseous abnormalities. The diagnosis is relatively easy when computed tomography is requested, although the images are not pathognomonic. Therefore, clinicians should consider other pathologies as differential diagnosis.     

Pseudo bilateral tonsilloliths: a case report and review of the literature

Tonsilloliths are very rare concretions found in the tonsillar crypt. They are usually single and unilateral, but occasionally may be multiple or bilateral. Small concretions in the tonsils are common, but well formed giant unilateral or bilateral tonsilloliths are extremely uncommon. Only two cases of bilateral tonsilloliths have so far been reported in the literature. A case of unilateral tonsillolith, mimicking bilateral tonsilloliths taken with the orthopantogram (OPT) in a 57-year-old Malaysian Indian female with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity is described. Although the OPT is a reliable and standard panoramic X-ray unit used in dentistry, superimposition of a lesion involving one side of the jaw creates a pseudo or ghost image on the contralateral side leading to a misdiagnosis of bilateral lesions. This report highlights that tonsilloliths, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of radiopaque masses involving the mandibular ramus, and that investigations such as CT scan or MRI may be required to differentiate pseudo or ghost images from true bilateral pathologies.     

Solitary intraosseous neurofibroma of the mandible. Apropos of a case

Neurofibroma is a benign neoplasm derived from peripheral nerves. Most of these are associated with Neurofibromatosis but may also occur as solitary lesions. When found on the head and neck they are generally located in the soft tissue. Intraosseous location is very rare. The following report describes a case of an intraosseous neurofibroma located in the left mandibular ramus of a 14-year-old child. The patient did not had clinical evidence of the lesion and it was found on a routine radiographic examination. Surgical excision of the lesion was scheduled and the sample was submitted to histopathological study. Representative sample cuts were studied using conventional techniques of hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry using primary antibodies anti S-100 protein, vimentin, and neuroespecific enolase. A review of clinical, radiographic, histologic and immunohistochemical features of other cases of intraosseuos neurofibromas located in the jaws together with the possible differential diagnosis of the lesion are discussed. Our case corresponds to a intraosseous neurofibroma of controveltial diagnosis because even though it presents typical neurofibroma histomorphological features it has immunophenotype different from usual.     

Intralesional corticosteroid injection for treatment of central giant-cell granuloma

BACKGROUND: The central giant cell granuloma, or CGCG, is a benign intraosseous lesion of the jaw. It is found predominantly in children and young adults. It is an asymptomatic lesion, which often becomes evident on routine radiographic examination. Giant cell lesions have been described as both nonaggressive and aggressive in nature, with recurrence noted in cases of aggressive lesions. Central giant cell lesions present as unilocular or multilocular radiolucent defects on radiographs. Multinucleated giant cells within a collagenous stroma are the characteristic histopathologic feature of CGCG. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors describe a 10-year-old girl with an expansile lesion of the mandible. The panoramic radiograph showed a well-circumscribed mixed radiolucent-radiopaque lesion of the left mandibular body. An incisional biopsy of the lesion was performed to establish a histologic diagnosis. The specimen was submitted for frozen-section examination, and a diagnosis of CGCG was made. Serum calcium, parathyroid hormone and phosphorous levels were normal. The patient was treated successfully with intralesional corticosteroid injections. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Central giant cell lesions have been treated surgically with aggressive curettage. More aggressive and recurrent lesions require resection, which leads to major defects of the jaws. This form of surgical treatment can be particularly disfiguring for a child or young adult. An alternative nonsurgical approach is the intralesional administration of corticosteroids, which have been effective in the treatment of CGCG. If a dentist suspects a patient may have CGCG, he or she should refer the patient to an oral surgeon for follow-up.     

Osteosarcoma metastatic to the mandible: a case report

A case of osteosarcoma that metastasized to the mandibular ramus from the femur in a 36-year-old man is presented. The patient was referred to us for the diagnosis and treatment of swelling of the left cheek. Radiologic examination showed a radiolucent lesion containing radiopaque areas within the left mandibular ramus. The patient previously suffered from a femoral small cell osteosarcoma, which was resected 71 months before our first examination. After induction of general anesthesia, a unilateral mandibulectomy and a simultaneous reconstruction using a titanium plate and an artificial condyle were performed. The postoperative course was uneventful, with satisfactory facial appearance and jaw function. The histopathologic features of the mandibular tumor were identical to those of the femoral tumor. Thus the mandibular lesion was diagnosed as a metastatic small cell osteosarcoma. At 27 months after the operation there had been no recurrence.     

Three-dimens?onal cone-beam computed tomography for diagnos?s of keratocystic odontogenic tumours; Evaluation of four cases

The keratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT), formerly known as the odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a benign intraosseous lesion that derives from remnants of the dental lamina. Due to its characteristics, clinical and histopathological features and various treatment approaches, this pathology is different comparing with other odontogenic cysts. Radiographically the KCOT appears as well-defined unilocular or multilocular radiolucency with thin radiopaque borders. In most cases, conventional radiographic imaging, such as panoramic views and intraoral periapical films, are adequate to determine the location and estimate the size of an KCOT. However, the clinical use for cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in oral and maxillofacial surgery increases and provides additional information about the contents and borders of the large lesions. In the present cases, the diagnostic performances of CBCT versus panoramic radiograph for four KCOTs were evaluated. It was concluded that appearance of lesions in the maxillofacial region could be better documented in the correct dimensions by CBCT versus panoramic radiograph. Key words:Odontogenic keratocyst, cone-beam computed tomography, three dimensional, panoramic radiograph.     

Radiographic features of enostosis determined with limited cone-beam computed tomography in comparison with rotational panoramic radiography

Objectives Radiographic findings of enostosis often resemble those of focal condensing osteomyelitis of inflammatory origin, and the location and state of these lesions cannot be precisely diagnosed using rotational panoramic radiography. Consequently, a differential diagnosis approach is required. This study examined the situation and characteristics of mandibular enostosis using limited cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in comparison with rotational panoramic radiography. Methods Forty-four radiopaque lesions were examined on rotational panoramic radiography and CBCT. The lesions were diagnosed as enostosis from radiographic features on CBCT that had been performed for other clinical diagnoses or dental treatments. For each lesion, the site, margin, density, and relationship to tooth roots were determined on rotational panoramic radiography, and the shape of the cortical bone was determined on CBCT. Results Enostosis occurred in the premolar region of the mandible in 25 cases (57%) and displayed numerous patterns of relationships to adjacent teeth on rotational panoramic radiography. All lesions displayed an ovoid external form on rotational panoramic radiography. On CBCT, enostosis arose from buccal cortical bone in 13 cases and from lingual cortical bone in 25 cases; a lingual origin was suspected in the remaining six cases. The periodontal ligament space of adjacent teeth near the lesion was clearly apparent on both rotational panoramic radiography and CBCT. Conclusions Rotational panoramic radiography and occlusal radiography cannot diagnose exactly the location and state of enostosis. The diagnosis of enostosis can be difficult for lesions influenced by secondary infection in the roots of surrounding teeth; diagnosis in these cases may be facilitated by clarifying the manifestation involving the periodontal ligament space of adjacent teeth and confirming bone thickening arising from the inner surface of cortical bone.     

A case of synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint followed for 17 years

The patient was a 52-year-old woman who visited our hospital for the chief complaint of a strange sensation in the left temporomandibular joint region on February 22, 1992. On the first examination, crepitus was heard, but no disturbance of mouth opening was noted. On panoramic radiography, radiopaque bodies were present in the left temporomandibular joint region, diagnosed as synovial chondromatosis. Course observation without active treatment was selected. Calcified bodies were noted on the lateral side directly below the left temporomandibular articular tubercle on the first computed tomography image performed in December 1998. Reportedly, this lesion grows slowly, but the lesions started to enlarge at a specific time point during the 17-year follow-up in this patient, showing the necessity of long-term follow-up by imaging even though no quality-of-life reduction or subjective symptom is observed.     

Follicular/desmoplastic hybrid ameloblastoma with radiographic features of concomitant fibro-osseous and solitary cystic lesions

We report a case of ameloblastoma radiographically suggestive of a complication of fibro-osseous and solitary cystic lesions. A 35-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for treatment, complaining of swelling in the left premolar region of the mandible. Radiological findings indicated a mixed radiopaque and radiolucent lesion in the region of the left mandibular canine and first premolar as well as a solitary cystic lesion in the mandibular second premolar region. Following biopsy, resection of mandible was performed under general anesthesia. Histopathologic examination identified follicular-type ameloblastoma with partial desmoplastic findings. Conventional radiography and computed tomography were not useful in indicating the relationship between the mixed and solitary cystic lesions. However, magnetic resonance imaging was instrumental in elucidating this relationship.     

传统全景片和锥形束CT重建全景片测量牙轴近远中倾斜度的对比研究

目的 比较传统全景片和锥形束CT（CBCT）重建全景片用于测量牙轴近远中倾斜度的准确性。方法 收集15名个别正常志愿者的石膏模型,在模型上确定上下颌从左侧第一磨牙到右侧第一磨牙的牙体长轴和平面的标记点,制作放射显影装置,志愿者佩戴放射显影装置拍摄全景片和 CBCT片。分别在石膏模型、全景片和 CBCT重建全景片上测量牙轴近远中倾斜度。利用多元方差分析和 Dunnett-t检验比较3种测量方法的差异。结果 3种测量方法间的差异有统计学意义（P=0.00）。与模型测量相比,全景片组中12个牙位有2个牙位（上下颌第二前磨牙）测量结果的差异有统计学意义（P=0.00）,CBCT组12个牙位的差异均无统计学意义。结论 评价牙轴近远中倾斜度时,传统全景片存在一定误差, CBCT重建全景片是一种更为有效的评价手段。     

Traumatic neuroma of the inferior alveolar nerve: a case report

Traumatic neuromas are rare entities which characteristically arise subsequently to surgery and are usually accompanied by pain, typically neuralgic. We present an unusual case of an intraosseous traumatic neuroma of the inferior alveolar nerve following tooth extraction. A 56-year-old man consulted for paresthesias and hyperesthesia in the left mandibular region following extraction of the left mandibular third molar (#38). The panoramic radiograph revealed a radiolucent lesion in the inferior alveolar nerve canal, and CT demonstrated the existence of a mass within the canal, producing widening of the same. Nerve-sparing excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with traumatic neuroma of the left inferior alveolar nerve. After 3 years of follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic and there are no signs of recurrence.     

OC5Diagnosis of secondary syphilis due to oral lesions

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign lesion of unknown etiology that especially affects the jaws, usually appears in patients younger than 30 years and is more common in females than in males. Lesions generally occur in the anterior portion of the jaws and mandibular lesions frequently cross the midline. The conventional treatment of CGCG is surgical removal. According to clinical and radiological features, the extent of tissue removal ranges from simple curettage to an en bloc resection. We present an 8-year-old male patient, lack of any systemic disease or syndrome, complaining from painless swelling of the left posterior part of the mandible. In intraoral examination, a firm, expansive swelling with overlying intact mucosa, extending from mandibular primary canine to the distal portion of the left permanent first molar, was detected. A panoramic radiograph exhibited an ill-defined radiolucent lesion of 1.5 x 2 cm, extending from left permanent first molar to angulus mandibula and a well-defined, unilocular radiolucent lesion of 1 x 2 cm, extending from angulus to ramus mandibula on the asymptomatic right side. After the assessment of MRI, surgical removal was planned with the otorhinolaryngology department and lesions were totally removed under general anesthesia in two consecutive operation. Histopathologic examination revealed typical giant cell granuloma containing numerous multinucleated giant cells embedded in a fibrous stroma. In presenting this case we aimed to share occurrence of bilateral central giant cell granulomas of the mandible in the absence of hyperparathyroidism and associated syndromes, which is very rare in the literature.     

OC1Bilateral central giant cell granuloma of the mandible: a case report

Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a benign lesion of unknown etiology that especially affects the jaws, usually appears in patients younger than 30 years and is more common in females than in males. Lesions generally occur in the anterior portion of the jaws and mandibular lesions frequently cross the midline. The conventional treatment of CGCG is surgical removal. According to clinical and radiological features, the extent of tissue removal ranges from simple curettage to an en bloc resection. We present an 8‐year‐old male patient, lack of any systemic disease or syndrome, complaining from painless swelling of the left posterior part of the mandible. In intraoral examination, a firm, expansive swelling with overlying intact mucosa, extending from mandibular primary canine to the distal portion of the left permanent first molar, was detected. A panoramic radiograph exhibited an ill‐defined radiolucent lesion of 1.5 x 2 cm, extending from left permanent first molar to angulus mandibula and a well‐defined, unilocular radiolucent lesion of 1 x 2 cm, extending from angulus to ramus mandibula on the asymptomatic right side. After the assessment of MRI, surgical removal was planned with the otorhinolaryngology department and lesions were totally removed under general anesthesia in two consecutive operation. Histopathologic examination revealed typical giant cell granuloma containing numerous multinucleated giant cells embedded in a fibrous stroma. In presenting this case we aimed to share occurrence of bilateral central giant cell granulomas of the mandible in the absence of hyperparathyroidism and associated syndromes, which is very rare in the literature.     

Mandibular metastases from follicular carcinoma of the thyroid gland: a case report

A case of metastatic thyroid carcinoma near the left mandibular ramus with a cyst-like appearance on rotational panoramic radiographs is reported. A 55-year-old woman complained of a continuous sense of incongruity for 3–4 years since extraction of the left mandibular third molar. The lesion, with apparent gingival swelling around the left second molar, was painless and was cyst-like in appearance on plain radiographs. On the basis of the radiological findings, a benign odontogenic tumor was suspected, but computed tomography (CT) showed destruction of the lingual cortical bone with soft tissue invasion to the masticator space. The final histopathological diagnosis was metastatic follicular carcinoma of the thyroid gland. When investigating cyst-like radiolucent lesions with thick sclerotic margins and irregular areas on plain radiographs, we recommend using CT to evaluate the effect of the lesion on cortical bone.     

Low-grade central osteosarcoma of the mandible: a case study report

Low-grade central osteosarcoma is a rare type of osteosarcoma with peculiar clinical radiographic and microscopic features. The aim of this article is to report and discuss a case of low-grade central osteosarcoma in the mandible of a 42-year-old woman. The patient reported sensing mild pain and tooth mobility for a period of 4 years, despite continuous dental treatment. Radiographic evaluation showed a mixed radiopaque/radiolucenct lesion in the body, ramus, coronoid process, and condyle of the left side of the mandible. Destruction of the mandibular cortex in the area was also observed. After incisional biopsy, the patient underwent hemimandibulectomy. Microscopic findings showed a tumor exhibiting spindle cells with nuclear hyperchromasia and no mitotic activity, irregular osteoid formation, and soft tissue infiltration. The immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of Ki-67, Cyclin B1, and PCNA proteins (cellular proliferation markers) revealed a very low Ki-67+ and Cyclin B1+ cell index (mean 7% and 3%, respectively), but a moderate number of PCNA+ cells (mean 49%). The 2 years of clinical and imaging postoperative follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence. Clinicians should be aware of these lesions, because histopathologicially low-grade central osteosarcoma may be misinterpreted as fibrous dysplasia.     

Actinomycotic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis arising in the mandibular ramus: an unusual case with spontaneous bone regeneration after coronoidectomy

Actinomycotic osteomyelitis is an aggressive and persistent disease capable of invading and destroying bone, and chronic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis represents new bone formation with periosteal reaction. We report a rare case of actinomycotic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis arising in the mandibular ramus and spontaneous bone regeneration after coronoidectomy. A 14-year-old girl was referred for swelling in the right parotid-masseteric region and severe trismus. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed that heterogenous enhancement of the right masseter muscle, and a reactive bone formation over the lateral cortex of the right mandibular ramus and osteolysis of the condyle were seen in plain CT. MRI showed that the mandibular ramus was a low-signal intensity and the reactive bone on the ramus was signal intensity similar to muscle on T1-weighted images. The lesion was clinically and radiologically diagnosed as chronic osteomyelitis of the mandibular ramus. However, a biopsy was performed intraorally under general anesthesia to rule out a malignant bone tumor, and pathological examination showed fibrous bone and Actinomyces druses. Finally, the lesion was diagnosed as actinomycotic osteomyelitis with proliferative periostitis. She underwent image-guided intraoral removal of impacted right third molar and reactive proliferative bone on the right mandibular ramus under general anesthesia. To improve trismus, coronoidectomy also was performed. After the discharge, AMPC was administrated intraorally for 7.5 months. Postoperative panoramic radiograph and CT showed the right mandibular angle resorption and coronoid process regeneration. There was no recurrence of mandibular osteomyelitis 7 years after surgery.

     

Transmigration of impacted mandibular canines--report of 4 cases

Impacted canines are not uncommon in clinical practice, but intraosseous movement of impacted canines crossing the midline (transmigration) is a rare phenomenon. We report 4 cases of mandibular canine transmigration to emphasize the need to supplement periapical radiographs with a panoramic radiographic examination in patients with over-retained deciduous canines or missing permanent canines.     

Central giant cell granuloma and periapical fibrous dysplasia occurring in the same jaw.

A 19-year-old woman presented with two tumorlike conditions in the mandible. Seven vital mandibular teeth were associated with periapical lesions. One periapical lesion was enucleated and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of periapical fibrous dysplasia. The second lesion was a large multilocular radiolucency which extended from the mandibular left premolars to the ascending ramus. It was diagnosed as a central giant cell granuloma despite having many features in common with those of an ossifying fibroma. The lesion was removed and healing was uneventful.     

The lateral periodontal cyst: aetiology, clinical significance and diagnosis

The lateral periodontal cyst (LPC) is a relatively uncommon but widely recognized odontogenic cyst of developmental origin. It is found mostly in adults and has no sex predilection. LPC is usually discovered during routine radiographic examination, is located mainly between the roots of vital mandibular canines and premolars, and seldom causes pain or other clinical symptoms. The defect appears on radiographs as a round or teardrop-shaped, well circumscribed radiolucency. Due to its location it can easily be misdiagnosed as a lesion of endodontic origin. In this paper, two cases of lateral periodontal cysts are presented. In the first case, the patient (woman, 62 years old) complained of an asymptomatic gingival swelling in the region between the right maxillary canine and premolar. The radiographic examination revealed a well circumscribed radiolucency with a radiopaque margin between the roots of the canine and premolar. The adjacent teeth had vital pulp. Surgical enucleation of the lesion was performed and the histological examination revealed that the lesion was a "lateral periodontal cyst of developmental origin". In the second case, the patient (women, 44 years old) complained of a swelling in the area of tooth 32. During radiographic examination a well circumscribed radiolucency between the roots of the lateral incisor and the canine was discovered. Surgical enucleation of the lesion was performed and the histological examination revealed that the lesion was a "lateral periodontal cyst of developmental origin".