Multifocal epithelial hyperplasia: report of 3 cases

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Virology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Multifocal epithelial hyperplasia (MEH) is a rare oral mucosal disorder.
• It is associated with specific human papillomavirus (HPV) types, primarily HPV 13 and 32.
• MEH exhibits significant geographic variation in prevalence, being notably rare in Asian populations.

Observation:

• This report presents three cases of MEH diagnosed in Iranian patients.
• The patients presented with characteristic oral lesions.
• Two of the affected individuals were siblings, suggesting a potential familial predisposition.

Findings:

• Clinical and histopathological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of MEH in all three cases.
• Human papillomavirus type 13 (HPV13) was detected in one of the patients.
• The occurrence of these cases in Iran adds to the understanding of MEH distribution.

Implications:

• These findings highlight the occurrence of MEH in a region where it is considered rare.
• Further research may elucidate the specific epidemiological factors contributing to MEH in diverse populations.
• Increased awareness of MEH is important for early diagnosis and management, even in low-prevalence areas.