Ana Carolina Velasco Pondé de Sena

Objective: Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is a rare odontogenic tumor composed of ectomesenchymal tissue and epithelial components, without the formation of dental hard tissues. Despite its recognition, data on AF from South America remain limited. This study describes a series of 10 AF cases from Venezuela and Colombia. Methods: Clinicopathological data, radiographic characteristics, and treatment modalities were analyzed descriptively. Results: The series comprised seven (70%) female and three (30%) male patients, with a mean age of 12.9 years. Lesions were predominantly located in the posterior mandible (80%). Radiographic findings revealed radiolucent lesions associated with bone expansion and involvement of adjacent teeth. Treatment modalities included mandibular resection and hemimandibulectomy, accounting for 66.6% of cases. Recurrence was observed in one case (16.7%). Conclusion: This study provides novel data on AF in South America, particularly in pediatric patients, and highlights the need for long-term surveillance and optimized treatment strategies due to the potential for recurrence.

Metastases in the oral and maxillofacial region, particularly in soft tissues, are exceedingly rare. Such metastases can present as swelling in older individuals, especially in the tongue and gingiva. Furthermore, colorectal metastases at this site are commonly found in the mandible and gingiva and usually share the same morphology as the primary tumor. Herein, we report the case of a 61-year-old woman with a metastatic nodule in the tongue covered by normal mucosa. The clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings were essential for the final diagnosis of colorectal metastasis, consistent with adenocarcinoma with mucinous differentiation and intestinal phenotype. Metastases of colorectal adenocarcinoma to the tongue are rare but should be included in the differential diagnosis of nodular lesions at this site. The diagnosis can therefore be made based on meticulous clinical and histopathological examination complemented by immunohistochemistry.

Objective: This study investigated the concentrations of neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) and salivary cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8/CXCL8, TNF, and TGF‐β1) in patients undergoing chemotherapy and their associations with oral mucositis (OM) and Candida infection.Materials and Methods: This prospective longitudinal study performed at a Brazilian service included 60 adults diagnosed with hematolymphoid diseases. Saliva samples were collected on days D0, D3, D10, and D15. Cytokines were analyzed by ELISA and NET formation by identification of the myeloperoxidase‐DNA complex. Oral Candida spp. was cultured.Results: OM occurred in 43.3% of patients and oral candidiasis in 20%. However, 66% of individuals had positive cultures for C. albicans. Higher concentrations of IL‐6, IL‐8/CXCL8, and TNF and lower concentrations of TGF‐β1 were observed in patients with OM. C. albicans infection contributed to the increase in IL‐8/CXCL8, TGF‐β1, and TNF. Individuals with OM or with oral candidiasis had significant reductions in NET formation. In contrast, individuals with C. albicans and with concomitant C. albicans and OM exhibited higher NET formation.Conclusion: The kinetics of cytokine levels and NET formation in chemotherapy‐induced OM appears to be altered by Candida infection, even in the absence of clinical signs of oral candidiasis.

Introduction: Alveolar bone coverage can be diagnosed through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and this information can prevent orthodontic tooth movement beyond the biological limit. Objective: This study evaluated the impact of the bone coverage (BC) diagnosis by CBCT in the orthodontists’ planning. Methods: One hundred fifty-nine Brazilian orthodontists suggested treatment plans for six patients at two different times, using two sequential questionnaires. The first questionnaire consisted of extra and intra-oral photographs, one panoramic radiograph; one lateral cephalometric radiograph with Steiner and Tweed analysis, and the patient chief complaint. The second questionnaire included the same presentations of cases with tomographic images and the radiologist’s report. The McNemar test assessed the difference between the first and the second treatment plans. Results: In all six cases, most participants changed the treatment plan after evaluating the CBCT images and the radiologist’s report (93.7% in case 5, 78.6% in case 4, 74.2% in case 3, 69.8% in case 6, 66% in case 2 and 61% in case 1; p≤0.01). Conclusion: The evaluation of bone coverage through CBCT images has a substantial impact on the orthodontic diagnosis and planning of the Brazilian orthodontists.