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Articles tagged "cancer"

Painless, Rapidly Increasing Maxillary Swelling and Erythematous Mucosa: Differential Diagnosis and Therapy

Painless, Rapidly Increasing Maxillary Swelling and Erythematous Mucosa: Differential Diagnosis and Therapy

This case emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation to identify unusual pathology in the oral cavity to allow early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge May 07, 2012

Metastatic Carcinoma Presenting as Neuralgia Involving the Trigeminal Nerve

Metastatic Carcinoma Presenting as Neuralgia Involving the Trigeminal Nerve

A swelling in the mandible was determined to be a metastatic lesion from previously undiagnosed breast cancer. The swelling had been preceded by neuralgia involving the trigeminal nerve, related to another metastatic lesion. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge March 30, 2012

Preventive Strategies and Clinical Implications for Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Review of 282 Patients

Preventive Strategies and Clinical Implications for Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Review of 282 Patients

Length of exposure to bisphosphonate therapy seems to be an important risk factor for bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Dental clinicians should encourage patients with cancer to use oral and dental prevention strategies to reduce the risk of osteonecrosis during bisphosphonate therapy. Read more

Posted in: Applied Research November 18, 2011

Metastases to the Mouth and Jaws: A Contemporary Canadian Experience

Metastases to the Mouth and Jaws: A Contemporary Canadian Experience

The relative frequency of types of cancer that metastasize to the mouth and jaws reflects the relative incidence of cancers in the population. Currently in Ontario, prostate, lung and breast cancer are the cancers that most commonly metastasize to the oral cavity. Read more

Posted in: Professional Issues June 10, 2011

An Unusual Case of Gingival Swelling in a 43-Year-Old Man

An Unusual Case of Gingival Swelling in a 43-Year-Old Man

Dentists should be alert to unusual pathology in the oral cavity and refer such cases for early diagnosis and treatment. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge December 21, 2010

A patient treated for lymphoma with chemotherapy is now interested in a dental implant. If her lymphoma recurs, will there be any ramifications for the implant?

A patient treated for lymphoma with chemotherapy is now interested in a dental implant. If her lymphoma recurs, will there be any ramifications for the implant?

Three critical pieces of information are needed before a decision is made about an implant: the type of chemotherapy drugs, the timing of the implant in relation to the last chemotherapy treatment, and the anticipated interval before the next chemotherapy treatment (if needed). Read more

Posted in: Point of Care July 23, 2010

A Diagnostic Puzzle in a Case Featuring Gross Gingival Enlargement

A Diagnostic Puzzle in a Case Featuring Gross Gingival Enlargement

Swollen gums may be caused by something as simple as poor oral hygiene. However, they may signal serious disease that dentists may be instrumental in diagnosing at an early stage. Read more

Posted in: Diagnostic Challenge May 17, 2010

If my patient has undergone radiation treatment of the jaw, does he/she need hyperbaric oxygen therapy before I extract teeth or perform other minor oral surgery?

If my patient has undergone radiation treatment of the jaw, does he/she need hyperbaric oxygen therapy before I extract teeth or perform other minor oral surgery?

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a feared condition recognized by all dental practitioners (Figs. 1 and 2). Some of us have witnessed this disease among our patients, and we learned in dental school how devastating it can be. The biologic effects of high-dose radiation therapy on the jaws have been well described by Marx.1,2 Although there is no threshold radiation dose beyond which ORN becomes a higher risk, it usually occurs among patients who have had radiation therapy, surgery or both for oral cancer, usually squamous cell carcinoma.  Read more

Posted in: Point of Care April 19, 2010