Abstracts

of Current Literature

ORAL PATHOLOGY

Retinierte ZBhne und Oberkiefer-Carcinome. (Retained Teeth and Maxillary carcinoma.) G. Loebell. Ztschr. f. Laryng.? Rhin., Otol. 32: 483, 19;i:l.

The author considers that follicular cysts are true fibroepithelial tumors. They develop only when the tooth germ has been detached from the dental lamina. The starting point of

the cyst is the enamel organ and the cause is thought to be periodontal irritation. In the literature one finds isolated case reports of malignant tumor formation derived

from such cysts. In the case discussed, a (<l-year-old female patient, with pain and swelling in the region of the left side of the upper jaw, presented the signs of an empyema of the maxillary sinus. The x-ray showed the typical appearance of a follicular cyst associated with an unerupted third molar, without destructive changes in the bone. The pathologic examina- tion revealed numerous nests of kerat,inizing squamous c*ell carcinoma, which required resection of the maxilla followed by irradiation therapy.

13:. P. s.

Intraoral Cancer-General Considerations. J. W. Hendrick and Grant I$. Ward. .r. A. 11. A,

150: 1099, November, 1951’.

After 50 years of age the greatest incidence of cancer of the mouth occurs, and it is seen more often in men than in women.

Because of their accessibility, this group of malignant diseases should be diagnosed early and adequate treatment instituted. Each group of the disease produces a son,+ what different biologic and therapeutic problem, depending on location, blood supply, and lymphatic spread. However, one common factor is consistently found, although less marked in cancer of the upper gingiva and palate: the early production of cervicaal metastasis.

Tn most instances these malignant diseases are disseminated by lymphatic embolism and not by the blood stream. It is essential, therefore, not only to eradicate the primary lesion, but also to direct attention to the lymph node drainage area.

There probably is some causal association of oral malignant diseases and oral sepsis, biologic and physical trauma such as ill-fitting dentures, rough and ragged teeth, a rinl of tartar around the gingiva, tobacco, syphillis, and benign lesions such as broad-base papillomas or chronic leukoplakia.

Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 95 per cent of intraoral cancers. These tumors, when they involve the mucous membrane of the gingiva, soft, or hard palate, are rather superficial Ijut, after a period of time perforate and extend into the antrum, bone of the palate, and gingiva; or if located near the angle of the mandible UI maxilla, into the pterygoid fossa. On the other hand, those occurring on the mue~us men- brane of the cheek frequently produce large verrucose polyplike tumors so bulky that they almost fill the mouth. Fortunately, this type does not produce extensive infiltration or early metastasis. Frequently a cancer involving the gingiva and hard palate may br obscured for indefinite periods of time by a denture and may be considered a trophic, ulcer.

Malignant lesions involving the tongue and floor of the mouth, as a group, begin as ulcers and early infiltrate the deeper structures of the tongue and/or floor of the mouth. 1Jsually malignant lesions occurring on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue are well- differentiated squamous cell carcinomas. Those on the posterior third are more anaplastic,

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