To the editor:
I enjoyed the excellent case presentation in the “Clinicopathologic Conference” section of a recent issue of the Journal.
1
During the last 10 years, I have come across 3 similar cases involving children, with ages ranging from 6 to 8 years. One of the cases has been published as “Malignant lymphoma presenting as pericoronitis.”2
Lymphomas represent the third most common group of malignant lesions of the oral region, following squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland neoplasms.
3
One must conclude in these cases to be more careful during such a clinical presentation—especially in children—and excised tissue such as operculum or extracted tooth should always be sent for histopathologic examination.I have had 2 such cases in which the dentist performed an operculectomy and did not send the tissue for histopathologic examination and symptoms persisted. The patient was subsequently referred for further assessment to a higher specialized center for management.
Lastly, it should be noted that, in this type of presentation, the dentist should make sure all tissue removed from the patient is properly analyzed to detect any underlying cause.
References
- External root resorption of a primary molar: “incidental” histopathologic finding of clinical significance.Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2001; 92: 4-8
- Malignant lymphoma presenting as pericoronitis.Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1992; 21: 295-296
- Unifocal lymphoma of the oral cavity.Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 1984; 22: 426-430
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© 2002 Mosby, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
