[Multifocal epithelial hyperplasia: a familial case]

Multifocal epithelial hyperplasia (MEH), or Heck disease, is a disease of the oral mucosa rarely seen in Spain. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and is mainly associated with types 13 and 32. It appears in childhood (3-18 years) and a higher prevalence is reported in women and certain ethnic groups (American Indians and Eskimos). It consists of a benign, asymptomatic epithelial proliferation in the form of multiple papules of 3-10mm with a normal oral mucosa colour. The case involves an Ecuadorian male of 14 years, with papulous lesions in the oral mucosa with onset at 4 years of age. His 32 year-old mother had identical lesions.

We present two members of an ecuadorian family with MEH. Although it is a rare disease in Spain, we must take this disease into account, given the increase in the immigrant population in Spain.