Gingival vitiligo: report of a case and review of the literature.

Nipun Ashok,Jean Rodrigues,Anila Karunakaran,Prabath Singh,Azzeghaiby Saleh,Bassel Tarakji,Navya Ashok,Alzoghaibi Ibrahim

doi:10.1155/2014/874025

Abstract

Rarely cases have been reported regarding depigmented lesions of the oral cavity. On reviewing the literature, only few cases of gingival vitiligo or similar lesions have been reported till date. These lesions pose a cosmetic challenge. We present here a case of vitiligo affecting gingiva. Vitiligo has been defined as an acquired, slowly progressive loss of cutaneous pigment which occurs as irregular, sharply defined patches which may or may not be surrounded by macroscopic hyperpigmentation. Differential diagnosis, detailed clinical history, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and pathogenesis of this condition are discussed.

Highlights

Colour changes in skin and mucosa are of diagnostic importance and may present only as a mere cosmetic disfigurement or may indicate an underlying systemic disease
A similar diffused white patch of 1 × 0.5 cm was present on the gingiva in the left side of the maxilla extending from the distal half of the central incisor (9) to the canine region (11) but was less pronounced compared to the right side
The microscopic examination of the section stained with hematoxylin and eosin showed very mild or no pigmentation in the epithelium (Figure 2) when compared to the tissue taken from the adjacent normal area (Figure 3)

Summary

Introduction

Colour changes in skin and mucosa are of diagnostic importance and may present only as a mere cosmetic disfigurement or may indicate an underlying systemic disease. It was observed that only very few cases of depigmented lesions have been reported in the oral mucosa. This depigmentation on skin or mucosa is termed as “vitiligo” or “leukopathia” or “piebaldism” or “leukoderma” [2]. Vitiligo of gingiva could result in cosmetic debility. This case of gingival vitiligo is reported on account of its rarity and the cosmetic challenges it poses

Prevalence

Case Report

Histopathology

Discussion