Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to M Kershisnik.
Aneurysmal bone cysts of the jaws are histologically the same as those found in the more usual appendicular sites for this lesion. They may be primary or secondary (associated with another definable osseous lesion) and have a 2:1 or 3:1 predilection for the mandible over the maxilla. Curettage is associated with relatively high recurrence rates, while surgical excision, with negative margins, of primary lesions markedly reduces this incidence.
The skin and subcutaneous tissue and mucosae of the head and neck are areas of predilection for granular cell tumors. These often histogenetically enigmatic lesions have two principal clinicopathologic presentations: an infantile (congenital) epulis form of the gnathic gingiva and a noncongenital soft tissue and aerodigestive form. Recurrences of either form are largely attributable to marginal excision and, for all sites, approach 15%. A malignant granular cell tumor is recognized, but requires rigorous histologic confirmation.
The head and neck is the most frequent location for extraneuraxial meningiomas, be they wholly extracranial or extraspinal or extensions of central nervous system meningiomas. Regardless of anatomic site of origin, nearly all meningiomas arise from meningocytes of arachnoid granulations. Ectopic arachnoid cell clusters have a predilection for areas of dural penetration of cranial nerves, and it is in these areas that most extracranial meningiomas are found. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment and must be planned by radiologic studies to determine the extent of the tumor and the presence or absence of a companion central nervous system meningioma. The often locally invasive and aggressive behavior of the meningiomas belies their benign histologic appearance.