Uncommon Occurrence of Compound Nevus in the Oral Cavity

Compound nevi are less common. Compound nevi account for approximately 5.9%-16.5% of all reported oral melanocytic nevi. Current evidence suggests no clear association with patient age or sex. The oral compound nevus is most typically found on the hard palate and buccal mucosa, with fewer cases occurring elsewhere in the mouth. This case report aims to highlight the rare case of a compound nevus in the gingiva of the maxillary anterior region of a patient who presented for cosmetic enhancement.

A 55-year-old healthy female patient reported with a chief complaint of discoloration of gum in the upper front region of the jaw. On intraoral examination, there was a bluish-black-brown color of gingiva with respect to the right maxillary central and lateral incisors. The area was asymptomatic and non-scrapable and had a slightly irregular texture on palpation. The patient had no similar pigmented lesions elsewhere, denied smoking or alcohol use, and reported no family history of nevi in the same region. An orthopantomogram was taken. An excisional biopsy was carried out under local anesthesia. Histological examination revealed a compound nevus. Follow-up after 5 months shows 2 mm gingival recession with respect to the right central incisor.

Postmenopausal women with a compound nevus-although these lesions are typically small and asymptomatic, histopathological evaluation is essential to ensure accurate diagnosis and patient safety.