CASE REPORTS
JOURNAL ARTICLE
Add like
Add dislike
Add to saved papers

Multifocal melanoacanthoma of the gingiva and hard palate.

BACKGROUND: Gingival melanoacanthoma is an uncommon reactive lesion, typically appearing as a solitary pigmented macule. This article reports a previously undescribed case of multifocal melanoacanthoma affecting the maxillary and mandibular gingiva and the hard palate. A literature review of melanoacanthoma of the gingiva is also provided.

METHODS: An otherwise healthy 60-year-old white female sought care for a periodic dental prophylaxis. The intraoral examination was remarkable for numerous painless, brown macular lesions in all four gingival quadrants and on the hard palate (eight on the gingiva and six on the palate). The lesions ranged in size from 2 to 4 mm. The patient had only been aware of one of these lesions, estimating its existence to be <1-year duration. The unusual and widespread presentation of these lesions warranted biopsy.

RESULTS: On microscopy, all surgical specimens revealed an acanthotic population of epithelium, with dendritic melanocytes distributed throughout, and numerous melanophages contained in the connective tissue. The dendritic melanocytes were immunoreactive for HMB-45 and S-100. Ultrastructural studies confirmed the presence of keratinocytes and dendritic melanocytes containing melanosomes. A 5.5-month follow-up recall disclosed six new pigmented lesions (four on the gingiva and two on the hard palate), clinically identical to the previously discerned melanoacanthomas. There has been no recurrence of any of the biopsied lesions.

CONCLUSIONS: Gingival melanoacanthomas may present as a solitary lesion or involve multiple sites. Pigmented gingival lesions of recent origin and without etiologic factors should undergo histopathologic review. A conservative biopsy for gingival melanoacanthoma may be sufficient for lesion identity and definitive treatment.

Full text links

We have located links that may give you full text access.
Can't access the paper?
Try logging in through your university/institutional subscription. For a smoother one-click institutional access experience, please use our mobile app.

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

Mobile app image

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.

Your Privacy Choices Toggle icon

You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now

Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university

For the best experience, use the Read mobile app