A Case of Oral Focal Mucinosis on Hard Palate: A Lesion Derived from the Periodontal Ligament

Abstract

Oral Focal Mucinosis (OFM) manifests on the gingiva as a painless mass, asymptomatic except for the presence of a fibrous mass, and is of the same colour as the surrounding mucosa. It is commonly reported on the gingiva. Histologically, it is characterised by focal myxoid degeneration of connective tissue. Its diagnosis seldom can be made clinically and predominantly relies on histopathological analysis. This case report is about a 40-year-old female who had a gradually increasing swelling on the palate in relation to upper right posterior teeth, for 4-5 months. The lesion was excised and sent for histopathological and immuno-histochemical analysis. There was presence of foci of loose mucinous connective tissue stroma interspersed within dense connective tissue stroma. The mucinous stroma showed numerous stellate and spindle-shaped fibroblasts evident between thin collagen fibres with evidence of separation of collagen fibres.

Keywords

• diagnosis
• gingiva
• oral lesion
• palate
• pathology