Oral manifestations of idiopathic lenticular mucocutaneous pigmentation (Laugier-Hunziker syndrome): a clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural review of 12 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To present a clinical, histopathological and ultrastructural study on a group of patients affected by idiopathic mucocutaneous pigmentation (Laugier-Hunziker syndrome: LHS).


METHODS
Twelve patients were investigated: clinical examination, laboratory tests, and X-ray studies together with light microscopy and electron microscopy were performed in order to diagnose LHS.


RESULTS
All cases showed acquired, benign, macular hyperpigmentation of buccal mucosa lips and nails. Histologically, pigmentations are due to an accumulation of melanin in the basal layer keratinocytes and an increase in the number of melanophages in the submucosa and/or papillary dermis. Ultrastructurally there were increased numbers of normal-appearing melanosomes in keratinocytes of the lower epithelium. No evidence of malignant changes were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
The importance of this condition relates to it being included in the differential diagnoses of pigmentary disorders of the oral mucosa with associated nail involvement. It is important to recognize this acquired benign disorder to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments.
Mignogna
M D
MD
Division of Oral Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Faculty of Medicine, School of Dentistry, Italy.
Lo Muzio
L
L
Ruoppo
E
E
Errico
M
M
Amato
M
M
Satriano
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008047:Lip Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008548:Melanosis / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*; D009262:Nails / Q000473:pathology; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000473:pathology*; D013577:Syndrome