Pemphigus vulgaris--the potential for error: a case report

The importance of correlation, referral, and collaboration between dermatology, or any other medical department, and the oral health profession is reported through a case presentation. A case of pemphigus vulgaris diagnosed from a tongue biopsy and confirmed by immunofluorescence is reported. The patient was treated for actinic keratosis of the scalp for 16 months due to inadequate biopsy material. The diagnostic value of proper biopsy material is stressed. The clinical manifestations leading to a misdiagnosis between actinic keratosis and pemphigus vulgaris are discussed.