Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is a well-known pathological condition in oncology derived from the use of bisphosphonates (BPs) and denosumab. Many molecular and immunological targets have been introduced for daily use in cancer treatment in recent years; consequently, new cases of ONJ have been reported in association with these drugs, especially if administered with BPs and denosumab. When the drugs are administered alone, ONJ is rarely seen. The objective of our study was to analyze the recent literature relative to the association of ONJ with these new drugs highlighting the pathogenic, clinical and therapeutic aspects. The close collaboration between maxillofacial surgeon, oncologist, dentist, and dental hygienist remains the most important aspect for the prevention, prompt recognition, and treatment of this pathology.

BackgroundA recent study demonstrates that inhalation of airborne particulate from Mount Etna eruptions may induce fibrotic lung disease. The occupational exposure of construction workers from the Etna area, who excavate building sites and use basalt dust to make mortar, has never been assessed.MethodsSamples of basalt, volcanic ash, basalt + cement and cement dust were collected on the construction site of a subway tunnel, ground to dust and subjected to the Microtox® solid-phase test to evaluate the toxicity of dust suspensions. Samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Minerals were identified and characterized by their morphology and elemental composition.ResultsThe elements found most frequently were C, Na, Mg, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe and O. All four dusts were toxic: basalt and ash were significantly less toxic than basalt + cement and cement, which shared a similar and very high degree of toxicity. Higher Fe, Ca and Mg concentrations were associated with greater toxicity.ConclusionsThe risk related to long-term occupational exposure to various dusts on constructions sites in the Mount Etna area should be further assessed.

Here is a case of an isolated orbital metastasis in a previously diagnosed metastatic breast cancer of a 46-year-old woman presenting diplopia and pain in her left eye. The magnetic resonance showed a suspected metastatic localisation in the upper left oblique muscle, which was confirmed by the fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The systemic therapy with liposomal doxorubicin as well as local stereotactic radiotherapy showed a gradual improvement of the local symptoms and signs.

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