Leukoedema of the oral mucosa. Possibly an acquired white sponge nevus

Abstract

Leukoedema is a white or whitish-gray edematous lesion of the buccal and labial oral mucosa. The lesions may be diffuse or patchy, and are usually asymptomatic. Leukoedema may be confused with leukoplakia, Darier's disease, white sponge nevus, pachyonychia congenita, or candidal infection. The condition is seen most frequently among black men. The histologic appearance simulates that of white sponge nevus. Symptomatic leukoedema seems to respond to topical application of tretinoin.

Diffuse Whitening of the Oral Mucosa in a Child

“…mainly the buccal rnucosa, followed by the labial mucosa, gingiva, and floor of the mouth (I). However, nasal, e.sophageal, genital, and/or anal mucosa involvement may also occur (3,4). Clinically WSN is characterized by the presence of asymptomatic, diffuse, soft, white plaqtjes with a velvety or rugose surface.…”

“…The histologic findings may sometimes be similar in all three diseases (3,10). The patient reported here had an epidermis featuring hyperparakeratosis, acanthosis, and epithelial cells with intracellular edema; no nuclear atypia or mitosoid cells were obsen ed.…”

“…These disorders have histopathologic features and often etiologic facts and clinical manifestations in other pans of the body that simplify the differential diagnosis (3,6).…”

White Sponge Nevus with Epidermolytic Changes

“…It is not our intent to discuss the differential diagnosis of this condition with all other white oral lesions [6] because most of these are easily distinguished from this condition. However, our case presents problems of differential diagnosis especially with classical white sponge nevus and leukoedema.…”

“…Leukoedema of the oral mucosa [6] is an acquired condition, with clinical and histo logical resemblance to white sponge nevus. However, leukoedema differs from white sponge nevus because it appears in adult age without inheritance.…”