Abstract Few studies on the distribution of oral diseases in older people are available in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and demographic characteristics of oral and maxillofacial lesions in geriatric patients (age ≥ 60 years). A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Biopsy records were obtained from archives of three Brazilian oral pathology centers over a 20-year period. Data on sex, age, anatomical site, skin color, and histopathological diagnosis were collected and analyzed. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to evaluate differences in the frequency of the different oral and maxillofacial lesion groups. A total of 7,476 biopsy records of older patients were analyzed. Most cases were diagnosed in patients aged 60 to 69 years (n = 4,487; 60.0%). Females were more affected (n = 4,403; 58.9%) with a female-to-male ratio of 1:0.7 (p < 0.001). The tongue (n = 1,196; 16.4%), lower lip (n = 1,005; 13.8%), and buccal mucosa (n = 997; 13.7%) were the most common anatomical sites. Reactive and inflammatory lesions (n = 3,840; 51.3%) were the most prevalent non-neoplastic pathologies (p < 0.001), followed by cysts (n = 475; 6.4%). Malignant neoplasms were more frequent (n = 1,353; 18.1%) than benign neoplasms (n = 512; 6.8%). Fibrous/fibroepithelial hyperplasia (n = 2,042; 53.2%) (p < 0.001) and squamous cell carcinoma (n = 1,191; 88.03%) (p < 0.001) were the most common oral lesions in older adults. Biopsy data allow the accurate characterization of the prevalence of oral and maxillofacial lesions, supporting the development of public health policies that can enable the prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment of these lesions. Also, they bring valuable information that helps dentists and geriatricians diagnose these diseases.

Abstract Dermoid cysts (DCs) and epidermoid cysts (ECs) are uncommon developmental cysts affecting the oral cavity. This study aims to evaluate patients with oral DCs and ECs and their demographic and clinicopathologic features. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 105,077 biopsy records of oral and maxillofacial lesions from seven Brazilian oral pathology centers were analyzed. All cases diagnosed as oral DCs and ECs were reviewed, and clinical, demographic, and histopathological data were collected. The series comprised 32 DCs (31.4%) and 70 ECs (68.6%). Most of the DCs occurred on the floor of the mouth (n = 14; 45.2%) of women (n = 17; 53.1%) with a mean age of 34.6 ± 21.6 years. All DCs were lined partially or entirely by stratified squamous epithelium (100%). Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and cholesterol clefts were observed in the fibrous capsule . Most of the ECs affected the labial mucosa (n = 20; 31.7%) of men (n = 39; 56.5%) with a mean age of 48.0±19.8 years. Microscopically, most ECs (n = 68; 97.1%) were lined entirely by stratified squamous epithelium. Two cysts (2.9%) showed areas of respiratory metaplasia. Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and cholesterol clefts were also observed in the fibrous capsule. Conservative surgical excision was the treatment of choice in all cases. Oral DCs and ECs are uncommon and often clinically misdiagnosed lesions. Clinicians should consider DCs and ECs in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue lesions in the oral cavity, mainly located on the floor of the mouth and labial mucosa.

Resumo A mucocele oral (MO) é a lesão mais comum das glândulas salivares menores. O presente estudo teve como objetivo relatar as características clínicas e demográficas de uma grande série de MOs e identificar possíveis variáveis preditivas associadas à taxa de recorrência dessas lesões. Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo retrospectivo. Foram analisados 43.754 registros de biópsias de quatro serviços de patologia no Brasil. Todos os casos diagnosticados como MOs foram revisados e dados clínicos e demográficos foram coletados. Participaram do estudo 1.002 mulheres (56,2%) e 782 homens (43,8%), com média de idade de 19,8 ± 16,4 anos (variação: 01-87 anos) e proporção de mulheres para homens de 1,3:1. O lábio inferior (n=1.160; 67,4%) e assoalho da boca (n=172; 10,0%), foram os locais mais acometidos, apresentando-se clinicamente como nódulos (n=978; 79,4%) de superfície lisa (n =428; 77,5%) e coloração normal (n=768, 46,7%). A biópsia excisional foi o tratamento na maioria dos casos (n=1.392; 78,0%). As MOs recorrentes representaram 6,2% de todos os casos diagnosticados (n = 117). As recorrências recorreram mais comumente em pacientes mais jovens (idade < 20 anos) (p < 0,0001), em lesões maiores que 2 cm de diâmetro (p < 0,0001) e naquelas localizadas na superfície ventral da língua (p = 0,0351). Além disso, as taxas de recorrência foram significativamente maiores nos casos tratados com cirurgia a laser do que aqueles com cirurgia convencional utilizando bisturi (p = 0,0005). Pacientes com mucoceles devem ser informados sobre uma possível recorrência, principalmente quando encontrados no lábio ou assoalho bucal de pacientes jovens.

Abstract Oral mucocele (OM) is the most common lesion of minor salivary glands. The present study aimed to report the clinical and demographic features of a large series of OMs and identify possible predictive variables associated with the recurrence rate of these lesions. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 43,754 biopsy records from four pathology services in Brazil were analyzed. All cases of OMs were reviewed, and clinical and demographic data were collected. The study comprised 1,002 females (56.2%) and 782 males (43.8%), with a mean age of 19.8±16.4 years (range: 01-87 years) and a 1.3:1 female-to-male ratio. The lower lip (n=1,160; 67.4%), and floor of the mouth (n=172; 10.0%), were the most common affected sites, presenting clinically as nodules (n=978; 79.4%) of smooth surface (n=428; 77.5%) and normal color (n=768, 46.7%). Excisional biopsy was the treatment in most cases (n=1,392; 78.0%). Recurrent OMs represented 6.2% of all diagnosed cases (n=117). OMs recurred more commonly in younger patients (aged<20 years) (p<0.0001), in lesions larger than 2 cm in diameter (p<0.0001), and in those located in the ventral tongue (p=0.0351). Also, recurrence rates were higher significantly in cases treated with laser surgery than in those with conventional surgery (p=0.0005). Patients with OMs should be carefully informed of its possible recurrence, especially when found on the ventral tongue of young patients.

ABSTRACT Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare genetic condition characterized by slow and progressive gingival enlargement. The gingival overgrowth often delays teeth eruption and may cause serious functional and aesthetic problems. We reported a case of a 10-year-old female child presenting a generalized gingival enlargement covering almost all the maxillary and mandibular teeth and resulted in problems for swallowing, speaking, and poor aesthetics. An incisional biopsy was performed and revealed a hypocellular and hypovascular dense collagenous tissue covered by squamous epithelium exhibiting acanthosis and elongated rete ridges. The diagnosis was HGF. The treatment instituted was an association of gingivectomy with a rigorous program of oral hygiene and follow-up. Herein, we describe a rare non-syndromic case of generalized HGF, including clinical and microscopical features, as well as highlighting the importance of correct diagnosis of this genetic condition.

Resumo O laser de baixa potência provou ter sucesso em estimular a produção de colágeno em ensaios de cicatrização de feridas. Entretanto, grande diversidade tem sido observada nos protocolos utilizados. Este trabalho avaliou os efeitos de três protocolos de Terapia a Laser de Baixa Potência (TLBP) na cicatrização de feridas abertas em ratos. Feridas padronizadas com 1 cm2 de tamanho foram realizadas com um bisturi na região do dorso de 60 ratos Wistar machos pesando 225±25g, e foram divididos em quatro grupos (n=15): CTR (animais não irradiados), LT1 (20 J/cm2 diariamente), LT2 (16 J/cm2 diariamente) e LT3 (20 J/cm2 diariamente). Após 7, 14 e 21 dias, cinco animais/dia foram eutanasiados e as feridas analisadas histologicamente. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de normalidade da distribuição pelo teste de Shapiro-Wilk. Os dados gaussianos foram analisados pelos testes ANOVA e Bonferroni, enquanto que os dados não Gaussianos foram analisados pelos testes de Kruskal-Wallis e Dunn, considerando-se valores p significativos menores que 0,05. A TLBP em todos os protocolos reduziu a inflamação e aumentou significativamente a deposição de colágeno (p<0,05). Entretanto, LT2 apresentou os maiores níveis de colágeno em todas as fases do estudo (p<0,05), induzindo a substituição mais rápida do colágeno imaturo III pelo colágeno maduro I nos estágios iniciais de reparo e remodelação precoce do colágeno promovida por melhor organização dos feixes depositados. Concluiu-se que todos os protocolos induziram aumento da cicatriz de colágeno. Entretanto, o protocolo 2 (16 J/cm2, aplicação diária) promoveu os aumentos mais significativos na deposição de colágeno, acelerou a maturação do colágeno e apresentou a melhor arquitetura da cicatriz fibrosa final.

Abstract The low-level laser has proven successful in stimulating the production of collagen in wound healing assays. However, diversity has been observed in the protocols used. This work has evaluated the effects of three protocols of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the healing of open wounds in rats. Standard-sized wounds of 1 cm2 were performed with a scalpel in the middorsal region of 60 male Wistar rats weighing 225±25 g, and they were assigned into four groups (n=15): CTR (non-irradiated animals), LT1 (20 J/cm2 daily), LT2 (16 J/cm2 daily) and LT3 (20 J/cm2 daily). After 7, 14 and 21 days, five animals/day were euthanized and the wounds analyzed histologically. Data were subjected to normality analysis of distribution using Shapiro-Wilk test. Gaussian data were analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni tests whereas non-Gaussian data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests, considering significant p values less than 0.05. The LLLT in all protocols reduced the inflammation and collagen deposition increased significantly (p<0.05). However, LT2 showed the highest levels of collagen in all phases of the study (p<0.05) induced faster replacement of immature collagen III by mature collagen I in the early stages of repair and early collagen remodeling promoted by providing better organization architectural beams deposited. It was concluded that all protocols induced an increase in collagen scar. However, the protocol 2 (16 J /cm2, daily application) promoted the most significant increases in collagen deposition, accelerated maturation of collagen and showed the best architecture of the final fibrous scarring.

ABSTRACT: Oral melanoma (OM) is an extremely rare and aggressive malignancy. A 67-year-old patient presented with complains of a slightly symptomatic spot in the mouth since the past 2 years. Extraoral examination revealed left cervical lymphadenopathy, and intraoral examination a blue-black multinodular sessile mass, with irregular margins, involving the attached gingiva of teeth 27 and 28, extending to vestibular sulcus and hard palate, measuring approximately 3.5 cm. The lesion presented focal areas of ulceration. Panoramic radiograph did not show bone involvement. The main diagnostic hypothesis was oral melanoma. Microscopic findings of the incisional biopsy revealed a proliferation of densely pigmented pleomorphic cells, invading the subepithelial connective tissue in sheets or nests showing an organoid pattern. Immunopositivity for S-100, Melan-A and HMB-45 confirmed the diagnosis of melanoma. The patient was referred to an oncology hospital in which multiple metastases were detected, and the patient was subjected to palliative care. Herein we report an OM in advanced clinical stage, and discuss the clinical, morphological and immunohistochemical diagnostic criteria with emphasis on the importance of early diagnosis.

RESUMEN: El melanoma oral (MO) es una malignidad extremadamente rara y agresiva. Un paciente de 67 años acudió a consulta con la queja de una mancha intraoral ligeramente sintomática, presente desde hace dos años. Al examen clínico extraoral, se encontró adenopatía cervical del lado izquierdo, y al examen intraoral, se observó una masa sésil multinodular de color negro azulado, focalmente ulcerada, con bordes irregulares, afectando la encía de los dientes 27 y 28, extendiéndose hasta el surco vestibular y el paladar duro, midiendo aproximadamente 3,5 cm. La radiografía panorámica no mostró involucramiento óseo. La principal hipótesis diagnóstica fue MO. Los hallazgos microscópicos de la biopsia incisional revelaron una proliferación de células pleomórficas densamente pigmentadas, invadiendo difusamente el tejido conectivo en forma de sábanas o nidos con patrón organoide. La positividad inmunohistoquímica para S-100, Melan-A y HMB-45 confirmó el diagnóstico de melanoma. El paciente fue referido a un hospital oncológico, en el cual se le detectaron múltiples metástasis y fue sometido a cuidados paliativos. Este es el reporte de un caso de MO diagnosticado en estado avanzado, en el que se discuten los criterios clínicos, morfológicos e inmunohistoquímicos para su diagnóstico, haciendo énfasis en la importancia del diagnóstico temprano.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy on bone healing in diabetic rats. METHODS: Bone cavities (19 mm diameter) were performed in the femur of 72 alloxan-induced diabetic rats, which were assigned into four groups: CTR (non-diabetic control), DBT (diabetic) CTRL (non-diabetic irradiated) and DBTL (diabetic irradiated). Low-level laser therapy was performed every 48h for seven days. Animals were euthanized at seven, 18 and 30 days. Alkaline phosphatase serum levels and bone repair were analyzed. RESULTS: Low-level laser therapy significantly increased alkaline phosphatase in at seven and 18 days (p<0.001), and improved bone healing at seven (p<0.01), 18 (p<0.05) and 30 (p<0.01) in diabetic animals. In addition, bone healing in irradiated diabetic group was statistically similar to control group at 30 days (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy increased the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and improved bone healing in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.