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Biomedical subjects

G W DeBoom

Publications and source records attributed to G W DeBoom.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Painful, nonhealing, tooth extraction socket.

The oral signs and symptoms of acute leukemia include gingival hypertrophy, gingival hemorrhage, petechiae and ecchymoses, mucosal ulceration, paresthesia, tooth pain, and oral infections. This case was unusual in that the diagnosis of acute leukemia was made only after a biopsy specimen of tissue protruding from the socket of a recently extracted tooth disclosed malignant cells suggestive of leukemia or lymphoma. The diagnosis of epulis granulomatosa should be made only after clinical, radiographic, and microscopic studies have been performed to rule out a malignant process.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Slowly enlarging, nontender mass in the right submandibular region.

Slow-growing, soft tissue masses in the submandibular region of the neck frequently are caused by tumors of the submandibular salivary gland. These neoplasms are most commonly benign and characteristically develop during a prolonged period--often, during 15 or more years. The recommended treatment is excision of the gland, and, if adequately performed, the probability of the tumor's recurring is insignificant.

Adenoma, Pleomorphic↗

Multiple, painful oral ulcerations in a patient with Hodgkin's disease.

The frequent occurrence of the oral lesions of histoplasmosis in combination with disseminated infection necessitates prompt recognition and diagnosis. The possibility of such an infection occurring in an immunocompromised patient should be considered high on the list of differential diagnoses, and treatment should be planned accordingly. The varied clinical presentations of histoplasmosis, ranging from shallow ulcers to nodular or vegetative masses, can be confusing and may lead to inaccurate diagnosis with resultant delay in treatment or inappropriate treatment. Submission of adequate tissue sections for microbiological and histopathological assessments is crucial.

Adult↗

A well-circumscribed, asymptomatic, sessile nodule on the right side of the soft palate.

An atypical presentation of a verruciform xanthoma is discussed. Usually the surface of the lesion is rougher and more warty, and the lesions generally are larger. The foregoing case, however, serves to illustrate that all lesions, regardless of how small or innocuous, should be examined microscopically to determine a diagnosis and to develop a proper treatment plan. Rarely can a definitive diagnosis be made entirely on the basis of the clinical characteristics of the lesion.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Metastatic tumors of the mandibular condyle. Review of the literature and report of a case.

A metastatic tumor involving the mandibular condyle presented symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Positive identification of the primary malignant lesion as prostatic adenocarcinoma was accomplished through the use of immunohistochemical stains for prostate-specific antigen and subsequent prostate biopsy. A review of the literature revealed fifteen additional cases of metastatic lesions of the mandibular condyle, seven of which also demonstrated TMJ-related symptoms as the initial manifestation of malignant disease. Such cases represent a diagnostic challenge, both clinically and microscopically. Symptoms of TMJ dysfunction coupled with radiographic evidence of a destructive lesion or pathologic fracture should suggest a possible malignant process indicating the need for biopsy. Subsequent examination of routine sections in combination with the use of selected stains, including immunohistochemistry may be helpful in identification of the primary tumor site.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Recurrent petechial hemorrhages and hemorrhagic vesicles of the oral mucosa.

The foregoing case is an example of amyloidosis in which biopsy of a hemorrhagic vesicle on the buccal mucosa established the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis was made, the patient's cardiomyopathy, nephrotic syndrome, hepatomegaly, GI hemorrhage, hematuria, and oral lesions readily were explained.

Amyloidosis↗

Diffuse, increased radiodensity of the maxilla and mandible.

The case presented here demonstrates the radiographic changes characteristic of osteopetrosis; and in conjunction with normal laboratory findings, the diagnosis is confirmed. Of particular interest is the lack of history of bone fractures or infection, in view of multiple previous extractions. Practitioners must be careful not to assume that such a history implies immunity to complications. Once the diagnosis of osteopetrosis has been made, treatment for all patients should be directed toward restoration and retention of teeth with emphasis on excellent oral hygiene.

Diagnosis, Differential↗