Periapical lesions in children/adolescents, adults and the elderly: epidemiological study and morphological comparison in histological samples

• Grant number: 25/18801-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Endodontics
• Principal Investigator: Ana Lia Anbinder
• Grantee: Luciana Andrade Nascimento da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

With the global population aging, it is increasingly important to understand how age-related biological processes influence the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory conditions, including periapical lesions. Although the literature has described the morphological features of radicular cysts and periapical granulomas, it remains unclear whether these characteristics differ between children/adolescents, adults and elderly individuals. This study aims to investigate the epidemiology of periapical lesions submitted for biopsy and histopathological evaluation in a pathology laboratory, as well as to compare their morphological findings among individuals in the pediatric (0-18 years), young adult (21-49 years), and elderly (¿60 years) groups. Histopathological reports issued between 2004 and 2024 will be reviewed through a systematic search in the database of the Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Laboratory. A total of 25 samples of radicular cysts and 25 of periapical granulomas will be selected for each age group, matched by anatomical location and lesion size, except for the pediatric group, in which the sample will be one of convenience. Slides will be examined by two calibrated observers, and histological criteria will include epithelial type and pattern, intensity of the inflammatory infiltrate, and presence of structures such as cholesterol crystals, Rushton bodies, foamy macrophages, among others. The intensity of the inflammatory process and epithelial proliferation will be classified using semiquantitative scores, and other features will be recorded in a descriptive or dichotomous manner. Data will be subjected to statistical analysis. The study is expected to reveal age-related differences in the frequency, inflammatory intensity, and morphological patterns of the lesions, contributing to a better understanding of periapical responses in aging and improving the diagnosis and clinical management of these cases in older populations.