Oral manifestations of sarcoidosis

Abstract

Objective. To report two new cases of sarcoidosis of the buccal mucosa and to analyze the literature on oral manifestations of sarcoidosis. Study design. Oral lesions with histologic features of sarcoidosis were analyzed according to their location and appearance. Results. Analysis of 45 cases of oral sarcoidosis (43 from the literature and the 2 new presented cases) revealed 12 lesions in the jaws, 10 in the buccal mucosa, 6 in the gingiva, 5 in the lips, 5 in the floor of the mouth, 4 in the tongue, and 3 in the palate. Sarcoidosis in the jaw was located in the alveolar bone and presented as an ill-defined radiolucency. Submucosal nodules were observed in sarcoidosis affecting the buccal mucosa, palate, and lip. Swelling was the main manifestation in the gingiva. In the floor of the mouth, sarcoidosis presented as ranula and that of the tongue as induration. In most of the cases, the lesions in the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and tongue were the first clinical manifestation of the disease. Conclusion. Oral sarcoidosis lesions should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral soft tissue swellings and jaw lesions.