BackgroundMoesin is a member of the ERM (ezrin, radixin and moesin) proteins that participate in cell migration and tumor invasion through transductional signals sent to actin filaments by glycoproteins, such as podoplanin.MethodsThis study aimed to evaluate the participation of moesin and podoplanin in the invasive tumor front of oral squamous cell carcinomas, and their influence on patients’ prognosis. Podoplanin and moesin immunoexpressions were evaluated by a semi-quantitative score method, based on the capture of 10 microscopic fields, at 400X magnification, in the invasive tumor front of oral squamous cell carcinomas. The association of moesin and podoplanin expression with clinicopathological variables was analyzed by the chi-square, or Fisher’s exact test. The 5 and 10 years survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and the survival curves were compared by using the log-rank test.ResultsThe immunohistochemical expression of moesin in the invasive front of oral squamous cell carcinomas was predominantly strong, homogenously distributed on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. The expression of moesin was not associated with clinical, demographic and microscopic features of the patients. Otherwise, podoplanin expression by malignant epithelial cells was predominantly strong and significantly associated with radiotherapy (p = 0.004), muscular invasion (p = 0.006) and lymph node involvement (p = 0.013). Strong moesin expression was considered an unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas, clinical stage II and III (p = 0.024).ConclusionsThese results suggested that strong moesin expression by malignant cells may help to determine patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma and poor prognosis.

Clinical and radiographic diagnoses associated with surgical exploration are the most important treatment options in order to avoid radical surgery or unnecessary endodontic treatment, mainly when idiopathic bone cavities are detected in children and adolescents. Further studies aimed at elucidating the etiopathogenesis of this condition and defining the most appropriate treatment should be conducted.

BackgroundPeripheral odontoma arising in the extraosseous soft tissues is rare and if not removed early, may enlarge over time and eventually erupt in the oral cavity.Case presentationA 15-year-old girl presented with “denticles on the gingiva”. During the intraoral examination, seven small tooth-like structures were found. These were exposed in the anterior left gingiva between the permanent maxillary lateral incisor and canine teeth, and the left first premolar was absent. Radiographic examination revealed irregular tooth-like structures without evidence of bone involvement.ConclusionThe lesion was surgically removed, and the specimens were analyzed histopathologically. The diagnosis of compound odontoma was established.Clinical significanceThis is the twelfth reported case of peripheral odontoma in the gingiva and the first one that erupted in the oral cavity.

Unicystic ameloblastoma is a distinguishable entity of ameloblastomas, characterized by slow growth and being relatively locally aggressive. Three histological types are recognized according to the degree of ameloblastomatous epithelial extension, namely, luminal, intraluminal, and mural types. This classification has a direct bearing on their biological behavior, treatment, and prognosis. However, there is difficulty in determining the most appropriate form of treatment for unicystic ameloblastoma. We present a case of unicystic ameloblastoma that occurred in the right posterior mandible of 19-year-old girl, which was enucleated and did not recur after 12-month follow-up.

Background. Necrotizing sialometaplasia (NS) is an uncommon benign reactive necrotizing inflammatory process involving minor salivary gland that often mimics malignancy both clinically and histopathologically. Case Report. We report the case of a healthy 26-year-old man with a painless swelling in the hard palate near the middle raphe, asymptomatic, well limited, and raised edges. The patient was submitted to incisional biopsy and histopathological examination. The histological diagnosis was necrotizing sialometaplasia. Discussion. The clinical and histological similarity between this entity and a malignant lesion implies a risk of unnecessary or mistreatment. Therefore, clinicians and pathologists should be aware of this lesion as to avoid errors in the diagnosis and treatment of this benign pathologic condition.