A Mini Clinical Pathological Conference:

Dear Colleague:

A Mini Clinical Pathological Conference:
CASE #1:	A 19 year old female with left ear pain was referred by her gynecologist to E.N.T. for evaluation. F.M.H. was non-contrib.; N.K.D.A. Her examination revealed no evidence of otitis nor any other associated pathology.
CASE #2:	A 76 year old female with a H/O hypertiension (medication include HCTZ and K-Chlor) presents with a sudden swelling to the left cheek and pre-auricular area three hours after she awoke.
CASE #3:	A 37 year old male presents with a C.C. f “I just don’t feel well”. The patient’s PMH is non-contributory, N.K.D.A.; without any medications. Physical Examination is essentially W.N.L. other than slight discomfort along the right sternocleidomastoid muscle, headache, occasional discomfort and inability to open his mouth fully.
Diagnosis:
CASE #1	Pericorinitis secondary to impacted third molar “wisdom” teeth.
CASE #2	Sialadenitis involving the Paratid Gland.
CASE #3	T.M.J. (Temporomandibular joint) dysfunction.

The three above cases presented were seen and treated by our staff during the past six weeks. They share a common thread. ALL were initially seen by a physician first.

As a specialist, the oral and maxillofacial surgeon routinely provides hospital coverage t both the hospital E.R. staff (trauma, etc.), as well as to the medical staff in general. Our 3-5 years of hospital residency training is directed to complement other hospital staff members. The goal of the letter is to invite our medical colleagues to become more familiar with our background and training and to utilize this training when appropriate in their patients’ care and management.

The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery includes training in traumatology, pathology, T.M.J. surgery, orthognathic (jaw) surgery as well as dentistry. If we may be of any aid in the diagnosis or treatment of those patients whose dental condition impacts upon their medical well being; or which compromises patient care; or aid that patient who presents to you with a complaint of pain involving mouth, ear, or throat without an obvious source; an evaluation by the oral and maxillofacial surgeon in you community or on-call at the hospital may prove beneficial.

Sincerely,