Palatal blue nevus in a child

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Pediatric dentistry
• Dermatology

Background:

• Intraoral blue nevi are rare benign melanocytic tumors.
• They typically present as asymptomatic, bluish-macular or papular lesions.
• Occurrence in pediatric patients, particularly on the palate, is infrequent.

Observation:

• A 7-year-old girl presented with a 2-month history of an asymptomatic, bluish lesion on her palatal mucosa.
• The lesion measured approximately 0.5 cm in diameter and appeared well-demarcated.
• Clinical examination revealed a smooth, slightly elevated papule with a characteristic blue hue.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of an acquired blue nevus, characterized by the presence of spindle-shaped melanocytes in the superficial dermis.
• Differential diagnoses considered included traumatic fibroma, mucocele, pyogenic granuloma, and malignant melanoma.
• Surgical excision was deemed appropriate due to the lesion's location and the need for definitive diagnosis.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering blue nevi in the differential diagnosis of pediatric oral lesions.
• Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including surgical excision when indicated, are crucial for benign conditions.
• Further research on the etiology and management of intraoral blue nevi in children may be warranted.