No abstract

J Oral Pathol Med (2013)42: 186–193 Background:  The altered expression of syndecan‐1 (SD‐1), a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, in ameloblastomas and cysts of odontogenic origin suggests that this molecule could have prognostic value in assessing the clinical outcome of those lesions. The purpose of this study was to analyze SD‐1 expression profile immunohistochemically in archival, paraffin‐embedded tissue sections of ameloblastomas and in common odontogenic cysts arising from the same locale. Methods:  SD‐1 expression was investigated in 32 ameloblastomas, 26 keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT), and 21 dentigerous cysts from the archives of the histopathology laboratory which were routinely processed. The cases were reviewed and assessed according to the established criteria. Sections were immunostained with monoclonal antibody against SD‐1 (CD138). Sections of normal oral mucosa, site matched, were stained in parallel as positive controls. The plasma cells in sections served as internal positive controls. Results:  SD‐1 expression was observed in the epithelial and stromal elements of the sections, and the expression was significantly associated with the lesion’s extension and involvement of adjacent structures (P = 0.025). Stellate‐reticulum cells showed higher expression than the ameloblasts, which was at a significant level (P < 0.0001). Highly significant difference was reported among the three groups of lesion for the epithelial staining (P < 0.0001). The mean rank scores (Kruskal–Wallis test) of ameloblastomas were significantly lower than those of KCOT and dentigerous cysts. Non‐significant comparison was made between KCOT and dentigerous cyst groups. Conclusions:  The present study revealed SD‐1 immunoreactivity in the stromal cells of ameloblastoma, KCOT, and dentigerous cysts rather uniformly. This reported SD‐1 expression by the tumor stroma is considered to be associated with poor prognosis of the lesions.

This analysis showed that neural lesions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region were rare and mostly benign in nature. Such lesions should be carefully diagnosed because of their association with life-threatening syndromes and the possibility of malignant transformation.

Although light microscopy is the classical tool of teaching histology and pathology, virtual microscopy is a highly preferred substitute. We believe that virtual microscopy is a valuable teaching tool that enhances student educational experiences.

Primary intraosseous squamous cell carcinoma (PIOSCC) is a rare malignant neoplasm that has an exquisitely exclusive affection to the jawbone. It is defined as squamous cell carcinoma arising within the jaw and developing from residual odontogenic epithelium or from a preexisting odontogenic cyst or tumor. The solid-type of this tumor is a central jaw carcinoma arising de novo and has no initial connection with the oral mucosa. Herein, we report a case of solid-type PIOSCC involving the mandible in a 37-year-old male patient elucidating its histopathological and imaging findings. The patient underwent surgical resection followed by post-operative adjuvant radiotherapy. The close 2-year follow up of the patient revealed neither locoregional nor distant metastasis.