Oral Pathology Part 2 Flashcards
What are mucocutaneous diseases?
A pathology that manifest on both mucosa and skin. There is a high level of variation between oral mucosal versus presentation on other mucosa or skin.
What are the most likely groups to have Lichen Planus?
65% Female Mostly over 40 years of age
Where are the likely sites of Lichen Planus?
Bilateral symmetrical presentation on 1. Buccal Mucosa (most common) 2. Dorsal Surface of Tongue 3. Gingiva (appears as desquamative gingivitis) 4. Cutaneous Lesions on the skin
What is the classic presentation of Lichen Planus?
Bilateral white striae on buccal mucosa with atrophic margins
What are the 4 patterns of presentation for Lichen Planus?
Striae / Reticular Atrophic Erosive Plaque
What is the aetiology of Lichen Planus
Immune mediated: so either an Autoimmune or Hypersensitivity Reaction However, the target antigen has not yet been identifed
What immune marker is associated with Lichen Planus?
Increased T-Lymphocyte Infiltration (CD4/CD8 Cells) Also increased mobility of APC cells: Macrophages, Langerhan’s Cells + Mast Cells (However they do not have an phagocytosis role as there is no infection)
What are the steps for progression of Lichen Planus?
- Unknown Initiator 2. Focal Release of Regulatory Cytokines from APCs 3. Up-regulation of Vascular Adhesion Molecules 4. Recruitments and Retention of T-Lymphocytes 5. T-Cells trigger cytotoxicity of Basal Keratinocytes 6. Apoptosis into Civatte Bodies
What is the histology of Lichen Planus?
- Hyperkeratosis 2. Hyperparakeratosis 3. Saw-tooth appearance of rete pegs 4. Basal Cell Layer Degeneration: Formation of Civatte Bodies 5. Band-like Lymphocytic Infiltrate in the lamina propria
What are Civette Bodies?
Histologically dark pink dots: They are apoptotic (programmed cell death) of Basal cells. Found in Lichen Planus and Erythema Multiforme
How do cutaneous Lichen Planus lesions present?
- Purple Papules, Scaly Lesions - Wrists most common site - Superficial Fine Wickham’s Striae
How would you differentiate between Lichenoid Reactions and Lichen Planus?
- Lichenoid Reactions are more diffused than lichen planus 2. Deeper cluster closer to highly vascularised areas 3. Medical History + Medication (example Gout, Hypertension, Tetracycline meds)
What medications are implicated in Lichenoid Reactions?
Allopurinol (Gout) Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II Inhibitors (High BP) Enalapril (ACE Inhibitors) Furosemide (Hypertension) Gold Salts: Rheumatoid Arthritis Hydroxychloroquine: Malaria prevention/treatment Mercury (Possible from Amalgam fillings) Methyldopa: hypertension, down regulates dopamine > adrenaline/noradrenaline as a competitive inhibitor NSAIDS Phenothiazine: Antipsychotic Propranolol: tremors, angina (chest pain), hypertension, heart rhythm disorders Quinidine: Class I antiarrhythmic agent. Aids in increased action potential duration Tetracyclines: protein synthesis inhibitor antibiotics Thiazides: family of diuretics for hypertension
What are treatment options for Lichen Planus?
- Chlorhexidine Gel: palliative effect 2. Corticosteroids: Modulate inflammation and immune response 3. Topical / Local Steroids 4. Antifungal Therapy (for secondary infections) 5. Topical Retinoids (Vit A) + Vitamin E (possible efficacy)
T/F: Pemphigus results in slow growing, largely asymptomatic blisters
False, it is typically rapid development with widespread oral ulceration
What are the primary clinical signs of Pemphigus
Rapidly developing skin bullae (>5mm), filled with clear fluid that can become haemorrhagic
What is the risk of untreated Pemphigus?
- Dehydration from inability to self-care from blister sites 2. High risk of secondary and systemic infections that has a 6% of mortality from septicemia
What is a vesicle?
A blister less than 5mm in diameter
What is a bullae?
A blister more than 5mm in diameter
What groups are more predisposed to Pemphigus Vulgaris?
Increased susceptibility in Mediterranean, South Asian population
What is the cause of Pemphigus Vulgaris?
An autoimmune condition with a strong genetic link. Patients with Pemphigus have high levels of circulating IgG antibodies that attack the desmoglein protein. This group of proteins are involved in desmosome connection between epithelial cells. Autoimmune reactions cause breakage of desmosome links creating clefts of intraepithelial vesicles and rupture of the epithelium to form ulcers
What is the histology of Pemphigus Vulgaris?
- Acantholysis: Splitting of epithelial histological layers 2. High titre of circulating IgG to desmoglein 3 proteins 3. Epithelial Cleft Formation superior to basal cells 4. Tzanck Cells: free floating epithelial cells
What are the 2 types of Pemphigus affecting the oral cavity?
- Pemphigus Vulgaris 2. Paraneoplastic Pemphigus
How would you differentiate between Pemphigus Vulgaris + Paraneoplastic Pemphigus?
Paraneoplastic Pemphigus has more persistant, severe and multiple outbreaks. It can also have further distribution to the oropharynx/nasopharynx/oesophagus and cutaneous lesions
What neoplastic diseases is Paraneoplastic Pemphigus associated with?
Lymphoproliferative Diseases such as: Lymphoma Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Castleman’s Disease
What treatment options are available for Pemphigus Vulgaris?
- Early Diagnosis - Pathology Biopsy 2. Systemic Immunosuppressive Treatment - Prednisolone (steroid) + Azathioprine (Immunosuppressant)
T/F: Pemphigoid is a non-fatal indolent mucocutaneous disease
True
What groups are most likely to have Pemphigoid?
Affects Females and the Elderly
What site in the body is usually the first site of involvement for Pemphigoid?
Oral Mucosa as erosion of non-keratinsed mucosa
What is the major long term risk of untreated Pemphigoid?
Involvement of the mucosa around the eye causing blindness
How does IgG immunoglobulin autoimmunity differ between Pemphigoid and Pemphigus Vulgaris?
Pemphigus Vulgaris: affects epithelium to epithelium attachment via desmosomes Pemphigoid: affects attachment of epithelium to basement membrane by attacking basal lamina hemidesmosomes
T/F: Both Pemphigoid and Pemphigus Vulgaris involve IgG autoimmunity
True but to different target proteins: Pemphigus Vulgaris: desmosomes Pemphigoid: hemidesmosomes
What would you expect to see histologically in Pemphigoid?
Full clefting of the epithelium from the dermis. A void exists between the basal layer and the dermis There wouldn’t be the existence of free floating epithelial islands
Which bullae would be more susceptible to rupture: Pemphigoid or Pemphigus Vulgaris?
Pemphigus Vulgaris as the separation occurs within the epithelium. Pemphigoid the whole epithelium comes off as a layer, so is more resistant to rupture
What is the main clinical feature of Benign Mucous membrane pemphigoid that doesn’t occur in Bullous Pemphigoid?
Scarring of the mucosa - scar tissue is left by the formation of new connective tissue over the healing bullae
Which pemphigoid has mostly oral involvement?
Benign Mucous membrane pemphigoid
Benign Mucous membrane pemphigoid affects which type of epithelium?
Stratified squamous mucous membranes
What treatment options are available for pemphigoid?
Corticosteroids to control progression and symptoms. Topical application appears to be the most responsive method
T/F: Erythema Multiforme is a Self-limiting hypersensitivity inflammatory condition
True
What are the 5 clinical symptoms of Erythema Multiforme?
1) Systemic fever 2) Swollen, split, crusted lips that bleed 3) Widespread erosive lesions in the mouth 4) Conjunctivitis 5) “Target” lesions on the skin
T/F: Erythema Multiforme can have both infectious and drug induced aetiologies?
True 1) Infectious: Erythema Multiforme Minor + Major 2) Drug Induced: Stevens Johnsons Syndrome + Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
What are the high risk groups for Erythema Multiforme?
1) Previous viral (herpes, EBV, VZV, Hepatitis), bacterial infections 2) Medications 3) Young adolescent/adult male
What is the histology of Erythema Multiforme?
1) Variable Histological Appearance 2) Epithelial Hyperplasia and Oedema 3) Apoptosis of Basal Keratinocytes (Civatte Body) 4) Intraepithelial Vesicle Formation (also subepithelial) 5) Lymphocyte and Macrophage perivascular infiltrate in connective tissue
What are the forms of Erythema Multiforme from most mild to severe?
Erythema Multiforme Minor Erythema Multiforme Major Stevens Johnsons Syndrome Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
How would you differentiate Erythema Multiforme Minor from Major?
In Erythema Multiforme Major there are both skin lesions and 2 sites of mucosal infection. Symptoms are more severe and widespread In Erythema Multiforme Minor there are skin lesions, but mucosal involvement is unlikely and limited to 1 site.
How much skin surface would you expect to be affected by Erythema Multiforme Minor from Major?
10% of total body surface area = 40 X 50cm patch in total
What are some clinical features of Stevens Johnsons Syndrome?
A more severe form of Erythema Multiforme: 1) Drug induced 2) Less than 10% of body surface area, but more severe than EM Major 3) Primarily atypical flat target lesions and macules, rather than classic target lesions 4) More widespread: multiple mucosal sites involved 5) Scarring of mucosa 6) Systemic Effects: prodromal flu-like symptoms
What are some clinical features of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis?
The most severe form of Erythema Multiforme: 1) Poorly defined erythematous macules and flat targets 2) With Spots: up to 30% body surface. Widespread purpuric macules/flat atypical targets 3) Without Spots: up to 10% body surface. Large epidermal sheets without macule/targets 4) Secondary Infection + Septicemia possible
How would differentiate between Herpes and Erythema Multiforme?
Erythema Multiforme: Young adult onset. Large oral/lip ulcers + skin target lesions affecting buccal, tongue, lips, palates and extremities Herpes: Children, small oral/perioral + skin ulcers affecting gingiva, lips and skin
What is the treatment for Erythema Multiforme?
Hospitalisation Palliation of Symptoms Infection control - prevention of secondary infection Antibiotic Cover Steroids
What are some clinical features of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Oral Ulceration - usually painless Fever, Malaise, Anaemia Arthralgia (Joint Pain) Malar Rash - butterfly rash on the cheeks Alopecia (Spot Baldness) Photosensitivity Joints: Non-erosive Polyarthritis Kidney: Glomerulonephritis Mucous Membranes: Oral Ulceration Nervous System: Polyneuritis, Cerebralis Vascular: Raynaud’s Phenomenon Heart: Pericarditis, Endocarditis, Myocarditis Lungs: Pleuritis Eyes: Anterior Uveitis Blood: Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia, Thrombocytopenia
Which groups are most likely affected by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Young Women of African / Asian descent
What are some histological features of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
1) Epithelial Basal Cell Destruction 2) Hyperkeratosis 3) Areas of epithelial atrophy and acanthosis (Discoid has no acanthosis) 4) Subepithelial and Perivascular Lymphocytic Infiltration 5) Vascular Dilation 6) Immunofluorescence Studies - Lupus Band Test: deposits of IgG and IgM at the basement membrane zone
What are some dental implications for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
1) Increased incidence of Sjogren’s Syndrome 2) Risk of Endocarditis: need prophylactic AB cover prior to surgical dental treatment
What are some treatment options for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus?
Systemic Steroids Immunosuppressive Agents Organ Specific Treatment
What are clinical symptoms of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus?
1) Skin Lesions, face and scalp, sun exposed areas 2) Rash: not too painful 3) Disc shaped Erythematous Plaques 4) Hair Follicle Involvement: leading to permanent hair loss 5) 25% Patients have oral lesion: a white keratotic striae similar but weaker than Lichen Planus
A patient has a White, Keratotic Striae on the buccal mucosa. What mucocutaneous lesion could this be? How could test for this?
1) Lichen Planus (most likely) 2) Discoid Lupus Erythematosus You could order a Antinuclear antibody (ANA) serology test. Only Lupus would return positive
T/F: progression from Progression from Discoid Lupus Erythematosus to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is rare
True
What is the histology of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus?
1) Epithelial Basal Cell Destruction 2) Hyperkeratosis - striae 3) Epithelial Atrophy - red/erosive areas 4) Subepithelial and Perivascular Lymphocytic Infiltration 5) Chronic immune mediated process 6) Vascular Dilation - causes redness, accounts for lymphocyte infiltration via cytokine signalling 7) Immunofluorescence Studies - Lupus Band Test: deposits of IgG and IgM at the basement membrane zone
What is the treatment for Discoid Lupus Erythematosus?
Topical Steroids
How would serology differentiate between Discoid and Systemic Lupus?
Discoid: Autoantibodies not detected Systemic: Positive Antinuclear Antibody (ANA), anti DNA antibodies
What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?
A Chronic autoimmune disease affecting the exocrine glands
What are subjective symptoms of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Dry eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
What is the resting flow rate of saliva?
Depending on age: 1.5ml/min
Why might there be a false negative when taking salivary resting flow rate from a patient?
In the dental chair, patients are likely nervous already, so sympathetic nervous system is activated => reduces flow rate
What is the average stimulated salivary flow rate?
4-5ml/min
What are the implications for drugs acting on the sympathetic nervous system on salivary flow?
SNS activation = decreased salivary + exocrine output = dry mouth
What is the steps of pathological damage in Sjogren’s Syndrome?
- Lymphocytic infiltration of glands
- Acinar epithelium cell atrophy
- Progressive fibrosis
- Destruction of gland parenchyma
What is Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome?
The subjective symptoms (patient’s perspective) of Dry Eyes and Dry Mouth
What is secondary Sjogren’s Syndrome?
The Symptoms of Primary Sjogren’s Disease (Dry Eyes + Dry Mouth)
AND
Presence of other autoimmune diseases:
Rheumatoid arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Polymyositis
Scleroderma
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (Bile duct)
What other medical professionals can you work with in order to accurately diagnose Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Rheumatologist (for other autoimmune disease)
What are possible aetiological causes of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Exogenous Agents (possibly viral via EBV)
Hormonal (post menupausal fibrosis)
Genetic Predisposition
Microchimerism (transfer of non-self cells to the foetus from the placenta. Autoimmune response)
What is the epidemiology of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
80% more females than males
Onset 50 years+
Why are sufferers of Sjogren’s Syndrome more at risk for fungal and bacterial infections?
Lack of Salivary Clearance
Low levels of Salivary IgA (host anti-bacterial immunoglobulin)
What infections are common in sufferers of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Candidiasis: pseudomembranous and erythematous candidiasis
Angular cheilitis
What are the possible oral clinical presentation of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Increased Caries
Burning sensation
Difficulty eating dry food and swallowing
Difficulty controlling dentures
Dry/Fissured Tongue
Taste alteration, malodour
Fungal/Bacterial infections
What are some things to observe during an oral examination for signs of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Lack of salivary pooling
Frothiness of saliva
“sticky” mucosa
Red inflammated Mucosa
What are some clinical feature of Dry Eye as part of Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Sensation of grittiness, itching, dryness, blurred vision
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (redness and crusting in corner of eye)
What are 2 long term complications that can happen with Sjogren’s Disease?
Salivary Gland Enlargement - Lymphocyte mediated inflammation
Increased risk of Lymphoma - chronic inflammation of MALT in Salivary Glands
What Objective Findings can be used to diagnose Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Ocular Signs
Salivary Gland Involvement
What Subjective findings can be used to diagnose Sjogren’s Syndrome?
A. Ocular symptoms
Daily persistent dry eyes for >3 months
Recurrent sensation of sand or grit in the eye
Need to use “tear drops” >3 times daily
B. Oral symptoms
Daily feeling of dry mouth > 3 months
Recurrent or persistently swollen salivary glands
Frequent need to drink fluids to help swallow dry food
What are other findings that can be used to diagnose Sjogren’s Syndrome?
Histopathology
Serum Auto-antibodies
What are 2 Salivary Gland tests that can be used to diagnose Sjogren’s Syndrome?
- Sialography: special imaging to detect diffuse sialectasis (cystic dilatation of the ducts within salivary gland)
- Sialometry: clinical salivary flow testing
What Histopathological features can be found with minor salivary gland biopsy?
Focal sialadenitis
Inflammation
Fibrosis
Fatty atrophy
Duct dilation
Hyperplasia
What can minor salivary gland biopsy be taken to reduce post op complications?
Lower labial mucosa
What is the primary lymphocyte marker in oral pathology biopsy identification for Sjogren’s Syndrome diagnosis?
T Helper Lymphocyte Count
What can happen to salivary gland ductal epithelium over time in Sjogren’s Syndrome
Squamous metaplasia obliterating duct lumens creating islands of epithelium known as epimyoepithelial islands
Is the presence of SS-A (Ro) and SS-B (La) serum antibodies itself a clear diagnosis for Sjogren’s Syndrome?
No, as these serum antibodies can appear in systemic autoimmune diseases. However this could possibly indicate secondary Sjogren’s after the patient reports symptoms of Primary Sjogren’s.
How is Sjogren’s Syndrome treated?
Palliation of oral symptoms
- Saliva substitutes: Oral 7
- Dietary advice
- Fluoride programs: Tooth Mouse, Clin Pro
- Management of Infections
- Good OH
- Monitor caries
What is Scleroderma?
Connect tissue disease : hardening of skin with excessive collagen manufacture
How is systemic scleroderma potentially life threatening?
Fibrosis of Organs
What are the 2 types of Scleroderma?
- Morphea: Disfiguring localised cutaneous form
- Systemic Scleroderma: Potentially life threatening
What is the aetiology of Scleroderma?
Unclear, but underlying serological evidence of elevated rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies indicative of some sort of autoimmune response
What groups are more at risk of Scleroderma?
Very rare (50 per 1,000,000)
3-14x more Females than Male
Onset 30-50
Familial clustering: high frequency of other autoimmune disease in families
What clinical features of Scleroderma are important for dentists?
- Facial Changes
- Fibrosis of fingers/atrophy of skin - OH is difficult
- Limited Mouth opening from rigidity of perioral skin
- Salivary Gland fibrosis
- Bone Resorption / Periodontal Disease
What are some histopathological signs evidence in Scleroderma?
Dense Deposition of avascular fibrous collagen
Inflammatory + Obstructive Changes in Arterioles/Capillaries
What is treatment for Scleroderma?
- Oral hygiene maintenance: reduce risk of caries, periodontal disease
- Management of concomitant conditions
- Stabilisation through systemic medications
What 3 features characterise fibro-osseous lesions?
- Benign fibrous CT stroma
- Trabeculae of immature woven bone
- Diagnosis confirmed on clinical features, radiographic features and histopathology
What is an ossifying fibroma?
Well demarcated lesion composed of fibrocellular tissue and mineralised material of varying appearances
What are the 3 types of Ossifying Fibroma?
- Main Type
- Juvenile Trabecular Ossifying Fibroma (JTOF)
- Juvenile Psammomatoid Ossifying Fibroma (JPOF)
Who is more likely to get ossifying fibroma?
More likely females than males
When and where does main type of ossifying fibroma develop?
Average Age: 35 years
Location: Posterior Mandible
When and where does Juvenile Trabecular Ossifying Fibroma (JTOF) develop?
20 years
Location: Paranasal Sinuses
When and where does Juvenile Psammomatoid Ossifying Fibroma (JPOF) develop?
8.5-12 years
Location: Maxilla
What are the radiographic features of Ossifying Fibroma?
- Bony Expansion: expansive collagen fibres replace bone
- Well demarcated lesions
- Variable radio-density depending on the maturity of the lesion
T/F: Ossifying Fibroma is a slowly enlarging lesion
True
Why is Ossifying Fibroma a lesion where complete surgical excision is recommended?
Due to clear, well demarcated borders of the lesion
What is Fibrous Dysplasia?
A genetically based sporadic disease that can affect single or multiple bones and replace bone with scar-like fibrous tissue
What are clinical features of Fibrous Dysplasia?
- Doesn’t cross midline
- Noticeable facial asymmetry
- Painless swelling
- Jaw Involvement: loose / displaced teeth, malocclusion
- Cafe Au Lait Skin macules if associated with McCune Albright Syndrome
- Impaction of nerves / blood vessels: nasal obstruction, visual impairment, hearing loss, facial pain, headaches, paraesthesia
What are the 2 types of Fibrous Dysplasia?
- Monostotic Form: Affects Single Bone
- Polyostotic Form: Affects Multiple Bones. More likely in women and can be part of McCune Albright Syndrome
Your patient as a painless unilateral bilateral swelling, cafe au lait skin macules on hands and a rapid metabolism. What could this be?
Polyostotic Form of Fibrous Dysplasia with McCune Albright Syndrome
What is the radiographic appearance of Fibrous Dysplasia?
Ill-defined margins with variable patterns:
- Cystic (Radiolucent)
- Mixed Radiolucent/Radiopaque
- Sclerotic (Radiopaque)
What is the histology of Fibrous Dysplasia?
More superficial layer of collagen stroma attempting to wall off lesion
Patchwork of woven + trabecular bone that looks like “chinese characters”
Bone surrounded by Fibroblastic Stroma
What is the treatment for Fibrous Dysplasia?
Lesion is typically self-limiting
Orthodontic Treatment for displaced teeth
Conservative Surgical Recontouring
What are Ossifying Dysplasias?
Idiopathic dysplastic processes in the periapical region of tooth bearing jaw areas
T/F: The teeth above an ossifying dysplasia lesion are non-vital
False - they appear like periapical lesions but are in fact not odontogenic infections. Thus the tooth is likely still vital
What are the clinical features of Ossifying Dysplasia?
- Replacement of normal bone with fibrous tissue and abnormal metaplastic bone
- Teeth are vital
- More common in black female patients
- Confined to tooth areas of the jaws
What are some radiographic features of Ossifying Dysplasias?
- Appear like a periapical lesions associated with vital teeth
- Varying radiodensity (increases density over time)
What are the 4 types of Ossifying Dysplasias?
- Periapical Osseous Dysplasia
- Focal Osseous Dysplasia (single)
- Florid Osseous Dysplasia (contiguous multifocal)
- Familial Gigantiform Cementoma
What are some features of Familial Gigantiform Cementoma (a form of Ossifying Dysplasia)?
Very rare
Giant mass of cementoid material
Highly disfiguring
Genetic factors
What is the histology of Ossifying Dysplasias?
Islands of bony cementoid material surrounded by collagenous stroma
T/F: Periapical Osseous Dysplasia consists of multi-focal lesions
False, they contain single, separate lesions under the apex of a tooth
What is the feature of Florid Osseous Dysplasia?
Coalescing multifocal lesions of bony cementoid tissue surrounded by collagenous stroma under the apex of multiple contiguous teeth
T/F: Parotid Salivary Gland provides Serous secretion that accounts for 75% of flow
True
T/F: Submandibular Salivary Glands account for 18% flow that is both mucous and serous in nature
True
T/F: Sublingual Salivary Glands account for 7% flow that is mucous in nature
True
T/F: Parotid Salivary Gland secretions are stimulated flow
True
Are the minor salivary glands on the circumvallate papilla serous or mucous in nature?
Serous
Where can minor salivary glands be found?
Oral mucosa (tongue, palate, lips, buccal mucosa)
Pharynx and tonsillar area
Larynx, trachea, major bronchi
Nasopharynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses
Minor salivary glands are predominantly mucous secreting
T/F: minor salivary glands exist on the gingiva and ventral surface of the tongue
False
Where are possible locations of ectopic salivary glands?
- Superficial neck
- Within lymph nodes close to or in parotid glands
- Lingual deep floor of mouth area
- Within the jaw bone (Stafne’s bone cyst)
What sort of salivary gland is this?
Serous
What sort of salivary gland is this?
Mucous
What are 4 examples of reactive lesions?
- Mucoceles
- Salivary Gland Obstruction
- Necrotising Sialometaplasia
- Irradiation-Related Sialadenitis
A Mucocoele is a clinical term for what 2 related dental phenomena?
Mucus extravasation phenomenon (MEP): more common than MRC
Mucus retention cyst (MRC)
What is a Ranula?
It is a Mucocoele located specifically in the floor of the mouth
What is a Ranula that extends through the mylohyoid muscle?
Plunging Ranula
What are the potential complications of a plunging ranula?
Life threatening airway obstruction
What is the cause of a ranula?
Usually due to trauma leading to severance of duct leading to mucus gathering in the tissues
What are the typical clinical presentation in Mucus Extravasation Phenomeon?
Site: lower lip is most common, floor of mouth (ranula), retromolar region, soft palate, posterior buccal mucosa (superficial mucocele)
Size – few millimetres to 2cm diameter
Painless, smooth surface swelling
Bluish coloration
What reactive changes eventually occur in a salivary gland affected by Mucus extravasation phenomenon?
Ductal dilation
Chronic inflammation
Acinar degeneration/ atrophy
Fibrosis / Scarring
What histological features are evident with in Mucus extravasation phenomenon?
- Free mucus infiltrates surrounding tissue (mucocoele) - no nucleus present
- Mucus elicits inflammation response
- CT attempts to remove mucus and repair: but healing is incomplete from continual mucus production
- Mucus surrounded by “pseudocystic wall” of inflammatory granulation tissue (fibroblasts, HEVs, endothelial cells)
- Can be infiltrated by macrophages
- Reactive changes occur to salivary gland
Q: What is the main difference between Mucus Retention Cyst and Mucus extravasation phenomenon?
Mucus extravasation phenomenon = trauma resulting in severance of salivary excretory duct. More likely to happen in young people (higher mucous production)
Mucus Retention Cyst = obstruction of duct. More likely in old people (stagnant salivary flow)
What are some clinical features of Mucus Retention Cyst?
Less common than mucus extravasation mucoceles
Occurs in older patients : stagnant saliva flow, becomes prone to blockage
Upper lip, palate, cheek, floor of mouth
Size: 3-20mm in diameter
Overlying mucosa is intact and normal colour
What is the histology of a mucus retention cyst?
Cystic cavity lined by compressed ductal epithelium (not granulation tissue)
Cyst lumen contains mucus of occasionally a sialolith (salivary gland stone)
Connective tissue shows minimal inflammation as mucus is contained within the epithelium
Reactive changes in salivary gland
What is the aetiology of a mucus retention cyst?
- Obstruction of Duct
- Retention of mucus
- Dilation of duct
- Development of an epithelial lined cystic lesion
- Reactive changes in associated salivary gland
What is the aetiology of a Mucus extravasation phenomenon?
- Trauma
- Severance of salivary gland excretory duct
- Mucus Escape
- Inflammation in CT
- Reactive changes in associated salivary gland
What are 3 causes of a salivary gland obstruction?
- Sialoliths (Salivary Stone): obstruction of salivary glands
- Periductal scarring: scarring around opening of gland
- Impinging tumour: rare cases where tumour blocks the ducts
What are the clinical presentation of a salivary gland obstruction?
Effects of obstruction are restriction of salivary flow
Leading to intermittent swelling
Pain of involved gland often at mealtimes
Long term: chronic sialadenitis
What is the cause of Sialoliths (Salivary Stone)?
Precipitation of calcium salts over time
What are consequences of Sialoliths (Salivary Stone)?
Chronic sialadenitis
Fibrosis of gland
Mucous retention cyst
What is management for Sialoliths (Salivary Stones)?
Surgical removal of stone with/without gland
In some cases the stone may be massaged out - painful but conservative
What are some clinical features of Sialoliths?
- History of intermittent swelling and pain often at meal times
- Increased ductal pressure
- Radiographs may show stone in some cases
- Location: anywhere along the ductal system, but commonly associated with submandibular gland – Wharton’s Duct
What is the aetiology of Necrotising Sialometaplasia?
Local trauma causing Salivary gland ischemia
What are the clinical features of Necrotising Sialometaplasia?
- Usually affects palate
- Benign condition that mimics malignancy
- Painful ulceration, typically on hard palate
- Abrupt onset, initially presenting as a tender swelling which may have a fluctuant feeling
- Gives impression of abscess formation
- 1-3cm in diameter ulcer
- Extended healing time
- Worries patient and operator!
What differentiates Necrotising Sialometaplasia from SCC?
- Whilst there is squamous metaplasia of the ducts, there is not the cytological atypia expected of SCC.
- Preservation of lobular architecture of gland
What is the histology of Necrotising Sialometaplasia?
- Salivary Gland Infarction with Ductal Metaplasia
- Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of overlying epithelium
- Squamous metaplasia of ducts
- No cytological atypia expected of SCC
- Extravasation of mucus into tissues (occasionally)
- Inflammation
Preservation of lobular architecture of gland