Proliferative myositis of the head and neck. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A case of proliferative myositis arising in the tongue is described. Light and electron micrographs revealed the characteristic infiltrative growth pattern and cellular pleomorphism of this lesion. A review of the literature disclosed 50 reported cases of proliferative myositis, including 10 that originated in the head and neck.

Lip paresthesia associated with a jaw mass.

A case is reported in which mandibular swelling and lower lip numbness were the first signs of a metastatic adenocarcinoma of the lung. The development of paresthesia, with or without other oral symptoms, requires that a diagnosis of malignancy be considered until confirmed or ruled out by tissue biopsy. A thorough head and neck examination in all patients, especially in those whose history or habits may indicate increased risk of malignancy is necessary.

Multiple oral and skin lesions occurring after treatment with penicillin.

A case of erythema multiforme has been presented. Erythema multiforme may be a self-limiting or chronic disease, of varying severity. The disease is of significance to dental practitioners who may be called on to establish a diagnosis and provide appropriate referral or treatment, especially when lesions are limited to the mouth.

Rapidly enlarging ulcerated lesion of the maxilla.

This report describes a mixed tumor of the left maxilla. The lesion showed rapid growth, 5 years after excision of a mixed tumor from the left side of the hard palate. The extent of the lesion indicates an aggressive tumor that requires close follow-up.

Slow-growing, ulcerated mass of the left posterior hard palate.

The importance of a thorough oral and paraoral examination of all patients, with appropriate follow-up of abnormalities, cannot be overstated. The prognosis of any malignant lesion is improved if diagnosis and treatment are rendered early. This patient had an obvious lesion of the hard palate, 4 1/2 years before definitive diagnosis.