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10 pages, 3271 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Condition of the Masseter Muscles After Orthodontic Treatment with Fixed Appliances

by Sebastian Szajkowski, Jarosław Pasek and Grzegorz Cieślar

Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2755; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232755 - 6 Dec 2024

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Abstract

Background: One of the methods used in malocclusion treatment is the use of fixed appliances. Research conducted so far has revealed that changes in bite force occurring over the course of orthodontic treatment are directly related to the functional status of the masticatory [...] Read more.

Background: One of the methods used in malocclusion treatment is the use of fixed appliances. Research conducted so far has revealed that changes in bite force occurring over the course of orthodontic treatment are directly related to the functional status of the masticatory muscles. It is therefore advisable to find out how the biomechanical parameters of the masseter muscles change after treatment with the application of fixed appliances. Methods: The study material comprised 74 individuals, divided into the study group (n = 37) treated by means of fixed orthodontic appliances over the average time of 12.27 months and the control group (n = 37) consisting of individuals did not undergo orthodontic treatment. The biomechanical properties of the masseter muscles were examined by means of myotonometry. Results: Upon completion of orthodontic treatment, the values of the parameters of tension, stiffness, and elasticity of masseter muscles located on both sides did not statistically significantly differ between patients from the study group who were treated by means of fixed orthodontic appliances and patients from control group who did not undergo orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: Treatment of malocclusions with the use of fixed appliances does not affect the biomechanical and visco-elastic properties of the masseter muscles (stiffness, tension, and elasticity) assessed by means of myotonometry and it appears safe for masticatory muscles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges Related to the Oral Cavity, Head and Neck: From Diagnosis to Therapy)

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9 pages, 217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gingivitis and Its Causes in Children Aged 3–7 Years

by Dorota Olczak-Kowalczyk, Anna Turska-Szybka, Marcin Studnicki and Paula Piekoszewska-Ziętek

Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2690; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232690 - 29 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Objectives: Gingivitis manifests as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gingiva but no loss of connective tissue attachment. It is usually painless and rarely leads to spontaneous bleeding, and most patients are unaware of the disease or are unable to recognize it. In [...] Read more.

Objectives: Gingivitis manifests as redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gingiva but no loss of connective tissue attachment. It is usually painless and rarely leads to spontaneous bleeding, and most patients are unaware of the disease or are unable to recognize it. In children and adolescents, it is most often caused by plaque accumulation. The purpose of the following study was to determine the prevalence of gingivitis and its causes in children aged 3 to 7 years. Methods: Patients were classed in the following three age groups: 3-year-olds, 5-year-olds, and 7-year-olds, who were generally healthy, not taking permanent medication, and without developmental defects of dentition were eligible for the study. A questionnaire survey assessed socioeconomic factors, frequency of dental visits, and hygiene and dietary habits. The clinical examination assessed the condition of the teeth based on dmft/DMFT, and the presence of gingivitis was based on the bleeding on probing. The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: A total of 3558 patients were examined. Gingivitis was present in 436 (12.25%) of the patients. In the group of 3-year-olds, gingivitis was significantly more common in boys (p = 0.0024). There were significant positive correlations between gingivitis and the average number of teeth affected by caries for the male gender in the group of 5- and 7-year-olds and in all age groups with dmft/DMFT > 0 values and the occurrence of symptomatic visits. Conclusions: The prevalence of gingivitis in children aged 3–7 years is influenced by socioeconomic, oral hygiene, and diet-related factors. Poor dental health predisposes to the occurrence of gingivitis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges Related to the Oral Cavity, Head and Neck: From Diagnosis to Therapy)

17 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Dental Anxiety and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Periodontitis

by Nicole Padilla-Fonseca, Agatha Araya-Castillo, María Paula Arias-Campos, Ana Paula Solís-Rivera, Jeniffer Jiménez-Matarrita and Karol Ramírez

Diagnostics 2024, 14(23), 2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14232624 - 22 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) investigate whether dental anxiety (DA) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) differed between patients diagnosed with periodontitis and individuals with periodontal health, (2) examine associations and correlations between these patient-reported measures, and (3) analyze demographic and [...] Read more.

Objectives: This study aimed to (1) investigate whether dental anxiety (DA) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) differed between patients diagnosed with periodontitis and individuals with periodontal health, (2) examine associations and correlations between these patient-reported measures, and (3) analyze demographic and clinical parameters. Methods: Ninety-six patients diagnosed with periodontitis and age- and sex-matched periodontally healthy controls were included. Participants’ demographic characteristics, smoking status, current dental pain, dental pain during the last month, the Modified Corah’s Scale (MDAS), and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) were determined. Results: The mean age of participants was 48.51 years ± 11.41. Patients with periodontitis experienced higher pain in the last month compared to controls (p = 0.003). Patients with periodontitis exhibited significantly higher MDAS total and sub-scores (p < 0.001). Compared to controls, the periodontitis group indicated extreme DA (1.04% vs. 7.79%, p = 0.034). Patients with periodontitis feared having a foreign object in the mouth compared to controls (p = 0.004). The periodontitis group exhibited worse OHIP-14 global and sub-scores (all Ps < 0.001). Positive associations and correlations of MDAS total and sub-scores with OHIP-14 global and domain scores were found for the periodontitis group, but not for controls. Patients with periodontitis who reported “moderate and extreme anxiety” had poorer OHRQoL compared to controls (p = 0.001). The minimal importance difference for this finding indicates a large effect size and a moderate standardized response mean between groups. Conclusions: Patients with periodontitis had higher levels of DA and worse OHRQoL compared to controls. Our study highlights the importance of providing a comprehensive approach, including psychosocial well-being, when diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges Related to the Oral Cavity, Head and Neck: From Diagnosis to Therapy)

18 pages, 4347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Epidemiological, Clinical, and Histopathological Features of the Head and Neck Region Schwannomas—Our Experience in the Western Part of Romania with Surgical Insights

by Adrian Nicoara, Marina Rakitovan, Raluca Maria Closca, Marius Militaru, Alexandru-Cristian Cindrea and Flavia Zara

Diagnostics 2024, 14(20), 2334; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14202334 - 20 Oct 2024

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Abstract

Introduction: Schwannomas are benign solitary, slow-growing, encapsulated, asymptomatic tumors arising from Schwann’s sheath of nervous fibers. Objectives: The current paper presents all the cases diagnosed with different types of schwannomas in the head and neck region between January 2009 and December 2023 in [...] Read more.

Introduction: Schwannomas are benign solitary, slow-growing, encapsulated, asymptomatic tumors arising from Schwann’s sheath of nervous fibers. Objectives: The current paper presents all the cases diagnosed with different types of schwannomas in the head and neck region between January 2009 and December 2023 in the Western part of Romania. In this period, ten cases of schwannoma were identified. Materials and Methods: The pathological exams were performed at the Department of Pathology using morphological Hematoxylin–Eosin staining. In addition, immunohistochemical reactions were used in order to confirm the diagnosis. Results: Demographic and clinical data, imaging features, surgical approach, and morphological and immunohistochemical aspects are presented. The results also display an impressive clinical picture of a gigantic ancient schwannoma. Conclusions: This retrospective study describes our experience with head and neck schwannomas, the diagnostic methods available, the surgical decisions, and the histopathological aspects while analyzing the data and reviewing the published specialized literature in the English language. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges Related to the Oral Cavity, Head and Neck: From Diagnosis to Therapy)

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Review

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14 pages, 428 KiB

Open AccessReview

Primary Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma: A Narrative Review

by Nikola Todorovic, Petar Djurkovic, Aleksandar Krstic, Nada Tomanovic, Pavle Milanovic, Djurdjina Kablar, Zlata Rajkovic Pavlovic, Momir Stevanovic, Jovana Milanovic, Aleksandra Arnaut, Ivan Ljubisavljevic, Dragica Selakovic, Gvozden Rosic and Milica Vasiljevic

Diagnostics 2025, 15(4), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15040496 - 18 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Mucosal melanomas (MMs) are under-researched tumors with a poor prognosis that arise from melanocytes found in the mucous membranes at different anatomical locations throughout the body. MMs are an uncommon yet highly aggressive tumor that typically develops on mucosal surfaces, predominantly in the [...] Read more.

Mucosal melanomas (MMs) are under-researched tumors with a poor prognosis that arise from melanocytes found in the mucous membranes at different anatomical locations throughout the body. MMs are an uncommon yet highly aggressive tumor that typically develops on mucosal surfaces, predominantly in the head and neck region. MM of the head and neck occurs in 8–10% of all head and neck melanomas. It most commonly affects the mucosa of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (75%), followed by the oral cavity mucosa (25%). A family history and the presence of mucosal nevi are associated with the occurrence of MM. Inhaled and dietary carcinogens are also linked to the development of sinonasal melanoma, much like other malignancies of the nasal cavity. Overexpression of the C-KIT gene is found in more than 80% of all primary mucosal melanomas, with somatic mutations in 10–30% of cases. The presence of these genetic alterations is also reflected in recent clinical studies of specific gene inhibitors that have proven efficiency in the systemic therapy of melanoma. There are various treatment modalities for MM. Surgical therapy involves en bloc surgical resection with a macroscopically visible and palpable mucosal margin of 1.5–2 cm. Partial resection of the maxilla may be considered if it ensures adequate tumor-free margine. Because of its rarity, outcome data for locally advanced head and neck MM is limited and primarily derived from retrospective studies with small case numbers. This review aims to update and summarize findings from clinical trials, prospective observational studies, and retrospective studies, while also exploring future directions for multimodal treatment approaches in this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges Related to the Oral Cavity, Head and Neck: From Diagnosis to Therapy)

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10 pages, 9879 KiB

Open AccessReview

Diagnostic Challenges of Traumatic Ulcerative Granuloma with Stromal Eosinophilia in the Hard Palate

by Giacomo Setti, Stefania Caramaschi, Giuseppe Barile, Antonio d’Amati, Marta Forte, Giuseppe D’Albis, Pierantonio Bellini, Giovanna Garuti, Luisa Limongelli and Saverio Capodiferro

Diagnostics 2025, 15(2), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15020199 - 16 Jan 2025

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Abstract

Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE) is a benign lesion that may arise from the oral mucosa consisting in an ulcerative lesion usually localized in the tongue or cheek. Palate localization is very rare. Background/Objectives: The aim of this [...] Read more.

Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE) is a benign lesion that may arise from the oral mucosa consisting in an ulcerative lesion usually localized in the tongue or cheek. Palate localization is very rare. Background/Objectives: The aim of this study is to describe a case of TUGSE occurring in the hard palate of an 83 y.o. female patient, manifesting as a non-painful growing palatal lesion approximately of 3.5 × 2 cm with firm consistency and a central area of erosion and erythema, the difficulties in clinical diagnosis, and the criteria for the differential diagnosis. Also, considering the rare occurrence of TUGSE in the palate, we performed a review of the literature too. Methods: A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted following the 2020 PRISMA guidelines and a total of seven records were identified as matching the inclusion criteria of this study. Results Conclusions: Although TUGSE is a benign lesion, the clinical presentation as a proliferative and ulcerative lesion may be challenging for clinicians mainly when arising in rare sites of occurrence (e.g., the hard palate). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges Related to the Oral Cavity, Head and Neck: From Diagnosis to Therapy)

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Other

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13 pages, 17789 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

A Simultaneous Presentation of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma and Latent Cervical Tuberculosis: Insights into a Complex Case

by Ingrid-Denisa Barcan, Raluca Maria Closca, Marina Rakitovan, Andreea-Mihaela Banta, Flavia Zara, Sorin Adalbert Dema, Claudia Raluca Balasa Virzob and Ioana Delia Horhat

Diagnostics 2025, 15(3), 357; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15030357 - 4 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Background and Clinical Significance: Tuberculosis infection triggers a chronic inflammatory response that can create a favorable environment for the development of cancer cells. Chronic inflammation can lead to DNA damage, increased cell proliferation, and impaired immune surveillance. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an aggressive malignant [...] Read more.

Background and Clinical Significance: Tuberculosis infection triggers a chronic inflammatory response that can create a favorable environment for the development of cancer cells. Chronic inflammation can lead to DNA damage, increased cell proliferation, and impaired immune surveillance. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is an aggressive malignant tumor with a very poor prognosis, despite the current oncology therapy. Case Presentation: The case presents following clinical, imaging, and histopathological aspects, as well as the oncological follow-up of the patient over a period of 8 years. This paper presents the case of a 49-year-old patient diagnosed with cervical lymph node tuberculosis while biopsied for the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma with cervical lymph node metastases. Conclusions: The overlap of this malignancy with an infection of mycobacterial etiology complicates the outcome of the disease even more, making treatment and prognosis difficult. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges Related to the Oral Cavity, Head and Neck: From Diagnosis to Therapy)

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6 pages, 2040 KiB

Open AccessInteresting Images

Hydrolethalus Syndrome: A Case of a Rare Congenital Disorder

by Valerica Belengeanu, Diana Marian, Horia Ademir Stana, Carolina Cojocariu, Cristina Popescu and Ioana Elena Lile

Diagnostics 2025, 15(2), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15020202 - 17 Jan 2025

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Abstract

This is a fatal case of multiple complicated congenital anomalies displaying several symptoms consistent with hydrolethalus syndrome. The newborn’s phenotype is characterized by a combination of serious anatomical abnormalities such as open-book cerebral hemispheres, defective lobulation of the lungs (one lobe on the [...] Read more.

This is a fatal case of multiple complicated congenital anomalies displaying several symptoms consistent with hydrolethalus syndrome. The newborn’s phenotype is characterized by a combination of serious anatomical abnormalities such as open-book cerebral hemispheres, defective lobulation of the lungs (one lobe on the left, two on the right), a smaller right kidney, a smooth cerebral surface, and a specific keyhole-shaped defect in the skull base, primarily associated with hydrocephalus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges Related to the Oral Cavity, Head and Neck: From Diagnosis to Therapy)

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