Denture hyperplasia and oncocytic metaplasia

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Prosthodontics
• Dermatopathology

Background:

• Denture hyperplasia, also known as epulis fissuratum, is a benign reactive hyperplasia of oral mucosa.
• It typically occurs in the sulcus vestibularis, often associated with ill-fitting dentures.
• Oncocytic metaplasia is a less common finding in this condition.

Observation:

• An elderly male patient presented with denture hyperplasia of the upper labial sulcus.
• The patient habitually wore an ill-fitting upper full denture.
• Histopathological examination revealed oncocytic metaplastic changes within the hyperplastic tissue.

Findings:

• The case demonstrates denture hyperplasia with an unusual finding of oncocytic metaplasia.
• This suggests that chronic irritation from dentures can induce diverse metaplastic changes.
• The specific etiology of oncocytic metaplasia in this context requires further investigation.

Implications:

• Proper denture fabrication and regular follow-up are crucial to prevent denture hyperplasia.
• The presence of oncocytic changes may warrant closer monitoring for any atypical cellular alterations.
• This case expands the histopathological spectrum of denture-induced oral lesions.