Two cases of imatinib induced oral pigmentation affecting the palate

Medication-related oral pigmentation is a unique yet benign finding in the dental setting. As new antineoplastic agents emerge, it is likely that this documented manifestation will continue to grow.

Here, we describe two case presentations of imatinib-related hyperpigmentation of the palate. Both patients had been on imatinib, an antineoplastic agent for 10-14 years and presented with asymptomatic diffuse blue-black discoloration of the hard palate. Both cases demonstrated biopsy-proven pigment changes localized to the superficial connective tissue with evidence of melanin and hemosiderin deposits. Of note, this is a benign finding that does not require intervention.

These two cases illustrate intraoral findings associated with imatinib. Increased awareness of this side effect will enable clinicians to appropriately council patients regarding the benign nature of this process.