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The frequency of fungal infections is increasing due to immunodeficiency viruses and immunosuppressive drugs. The most common fungal infection of the oral cavity is candidiasis. The existence of Candida can be a part of normal commensal; hence, the isolation of Candida in the absence of clinical symptoms should exclude candidiasis. The pathogenicity of Candida is witnessed as opportunistic when immune status is compromised. Oral fungal infections are uncommon, but when identified, these infections are associated with greater discomfort and are sometimes destruction of tissues. Cytology and tissue biopsy are helpful in confirming the clinical diagnosis. The management of oral fungal infections must strategically focus on signs, symptoms, and culture reports. This article reviews information on diagnosis and therapeutic management of aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, mucormycosis, and geotrichosis.

Myositis ossificans is a rare disease that is characterized by bone deposition in the muscle or soft tissues. Myositis ossificans of the masticatory muscles is an uncommon finding. The condition is benign and results in heterotopic bone formation in the muscles of mastication, usually producing limitation of opening of the jaws. It is important to know the exact cause of the limitation of opening of the jaws for successful treatment. Computed tomographic scan and panoramic radiographs along with histological findings are essential diagnostic aids for evaluating conditions such as myositis ossificans. A rare case of myositis ossificans traumatica of temporalis and medial pterygoid muscle is presented here along with the discussion of clinical, radiological and histological features. The present case emphasizes not only on the importance of considering myositis ossificans in the differential diagnosis of limitation of opening of the jaws but also on the improvement of the overall mouth opening and treatment results.

Background:Significant increase in cell proliferation and vascularity occurs during the transition from normal oral mucosa through differing degrees of dysplasia to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Aims:To evaluate the cell proliferation and vascularity in potentially malignant disorders and OSCC.Settings and Design:Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD34 were quantified immunohistochemically (IHC) using anti-PCNA, anti-VEGF and anti-CD34 antibody.Materials and Methods:A total of 60 archival specimens included 10 oral lichen planus, 10 oral leukoplakia, 10 oral submucous fibrosis and 30 OSCC (well differentiated, moderately differentiated and poorly differentiated), and also, 10 normal oral mucosa as control group were taken. PCNA, VEGF and CD34 expression was assessed in relation to the localization and area of IHC-stained cells.Statistical Analysis:One-way analysis of variance test and post hoc least significant difference test were assessed for statistical significance.Results:Cell proliferation and vascularity appeared to increase gradually with disease progression.Conclusion:Upregulation of cell proliferation and vascularity indicates their possible role in malignant transformation of potentially malignant disorders.

This letter is a response to commentary by Ambadasu et al. on a review article by Santosh et al. on “Fungal Infections of Oral Cavity: Diagnosis, Management, and Association with COVID-19.” In their commentary, Ambadasu et al. mentioned that in the list of COVID-19 associated fungal infections, mucormycosis should be added. In this response, we provide our thoughts on including mucormycosis in COVID-19 associated fungal infections of the oral cavity. We conclude that mucormycosis surge was more prevalent during the second wave of COVID-19 infection. Majority of published reports on oral fungal infections during the years 2019 and 2020 was focused on Oral Candidiasis, whereas mucormycosis appears to be re-emerging opportunistic entry of fungal infection among COVID-19 infection due to associated risk factors. Thus, Physicians and Dentists must be cautioned that other listed opportunistic fungal infections of oral cavity may also be seen among severe COVID-19 patients.be seen among severe COVID-19 patients.