title: Customized reconstruction of an extensive mandibular defect: A clinical report.
abstract: Myoepithelial carcinomas are rare malignant tumors arising from salivary glands. They most commonly involve the parotid and minor salivary glands but may also occur in the submandibular glands. These tumors can become extensive, causing bony expansion and destruction. A 31-year-old man with a large swelling on the left side of the face is presented. Histologic examination of an incisional biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of a myoepithelial carcinoma arising from the left submandibular salivary gland. After tumor resection, the patient's mandible was reconstructed with a customized mandibular framework produced by means of 3-dimensional (3D) laser sintering. This approach significantly reduced cost, advanced surgical procedures, and operating room time, which is of great benefit in a developing country like South Africa.
authors.affiliation: Resident Registrar, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Electronic address: nelsondentist@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nelson
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.affiliation: Consultant, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
authors.forename: Jacobus
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van den Heever
authors.affiliation: Consultant, Department of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Kimberley Hospital Complex, Kimberley, South Africa.
authors.forename: Kobus
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hoek
authors.affiliation: Chief Engineer and Director, Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, South Africa.
authors.forename: Gerrie
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Booysen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017266:Dental Prosthesis; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D009208:Myoepithelioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D014025:Titanium
chemical_list: D014025:Titanium