Pemphigus.
Pemphigus is an umbrella term for more than 10 different epidermal disease types and subtypes currently classified under this name. Characteristic for pemphigus are the presence of autoantibodies against epidermal cell adhesion structures (desmosomes), leading to a breakdown of cutaneous and mucosal barriers. The two most important disease types for dentists are pemphigus vulgaris and paraneoplastic pemphigus because they almost invariably present with oral manifestations. This article highlights current knowledge on the pathophysiology, the clinical signs, and the practical clinical diagnostic approach to these two serious disorders and treatment.
Ettlin
Dominik A
DA
Clinic for Masticatory Disorders and Complete Dentures, Center for Dental and Oral Medicine and Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Zurich, Plattenstrasse 11, CH-8028 Zurich, Switzerland. ettlin@zzmk.unizh.ch
D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D010257:Paraneoplastic Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology