Dermoscopic findings in benign racial gingival melanin hyperpigmentation and evaluation of its surgical management

Abstract

Background Dermoscopic features of mucous membrane pigmented lesions are not the same as present in the skin. A major esthetic problem for a lot of people is gingival hyperpigmentation. Even though it is not a medical issue, a lot of methods are used in the treatment of this problem. Objective To figure out dermoscopic patterns of benign racial gingival melanin hyperpigmentation and to assess the role of dermoscopic evaluation in its management. Patients and methods A total of 20 patients were included in this study. Their age ranged from 23 to 30 years. They were selected for depigmentation procedures in the esthetic zone using a scalpel blade. Dermoscopic imaging and analysis of the patterns were done for all lesions. Clinical parameters were recorded. Recurrences of pigmentation were evaluated by clinical and dermoscopic examination at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively. Results Dermoscopic features of benign racial gingival hyperpigmentation analyzed were dotted-globular pattern, pigment network pattern, fish scale-like pattern, and a hyphal pattern. All patients showed excellent gingival wound-healing response, with no adverse complications, and no repigmentation was observed. Conclusion Dermoscopy is effective in diagnosis and evaluation of management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation. Surgical gingival depigmentation is effective in esthetic treatment of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation.