Focal Oral Elastosis: Case Series, Proposed Nomenclature, and Literature Review

Late-onset focal dermal elastosis is an uncommon elastic disorder seen in older individuals and biopsies demonstrate an increase in elastic fibers. Elastosis of the oral cavity is reported uncommonly. The aim of this study is to describe oral biopsies with similar histopathologic features to late-onset focal dermal elastosis and to introduce the term "focal oral elastosis." We included oral biopsies that showed increased elastic fibers confirmed by Verhoeff-van Gieson histochemical stain. We identified 6 oral biopsies with prominent elastosis. There were 4 men, and the median age was 64.5 years. Elastosis was present in 5 nodular lesions and 1 papule. Lesions occurred on the gingiva (33.3%), palatal mucosa (33.3%), buccal mucosa (16.7%), and upper lip (16.7%). Deposition of amorphic bluish/amphophilic material in the subepithelial areas was seen in all cases confirmed with the Verhoeff-van Gieson stain. Our case series demonstrates the presence of elastic fibers in reactive lesions such as oral fibromas.