Amyloid deposition in the oral cavity: a retrospective study and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the anatomic location and characteristics of amyloid deposition in the oral cavity.


METHODS
Seventeen biopsy specimens that were conclusive for a diagnosis of amyloidosis were assessed in terms of their anatomic location and histopathologic characteristics.


RESULTS
Biopsy specimens were received from 13 patients-9 females and 4 males. Six specimens were taken from the buccal mucosa, 4 from the tongue, 3 from the palate, 2 from the gingiva, and 2 from the floor of the mouth. Fifteen of 17 specimens (88%) had amyloid deposition in the subepithelial connective tissue in all locations.


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of our pilot data, a previously overlooked intraoral anatomic location, the buccal mucosa, may prove to be of higher diagnostic value than others previously reported in terms of obtaining a diagnosis of amyloidosis. In addition, the manner in which tissue biopsies are conducted for amyloid detection may be altered to create less morbidity.
Stoopler
Eric T
ET
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. ets@pbox.upenn.edu
Sollecito
Thomas P
TP
Chen
Sow-Yeh
SY
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D000682:Amyloid / Q000032:analysis*; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001706:Biopsy; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009060:Mouth Floor / Q000473:pathology; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*; D010159:Palate / Q000473:pathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis
D000682:Amyloid