Eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa: report of a child with CD30-negative cells in an infiltration on the lower lip.
BACKGROUND
Eosinophilic ulcer of the oral mucosa (EUOM), also known as traumatic eosinophilic granuloma or Rida-Fede disease, is an uncommon, benign and self-limited lesion of the oral mucous membrane. The tongue is the most common location of EUOM, accounting for up to 60% of the cases, with the lateral and dorsal surfaces being principally affected. EUOM clinically manifests as a painful, nodular inflammatory infiltration, usually with ulceration. Characteristic histological findings consist of dense subepithelial, mixed inflammatory infiltration with numerous eosinophils. The etiology of the disease is unknown.


METHODS
We present a case of a 9-year-old boy, in whom a painful ulceration, nonresponding to typical antiviral and antibacterial treatment, occurred on the lower lip. The histological study revealed intact epithelium without the unequivocal signs of cellular atypia and a dense infiltrate in the stroma mainly composed of eosinophils and histiocytes with CD30-negative cells. The histological diagnosis of EUOM was given. A rapid resolution of the lesion was observed following biopsy.


CONCLUSIONS
EUOM, a relatively rare and benign disease, infrequently presenting as a lesion on lips, may cause diagnostic difficulties to dermatologists as well as to dental surgeons and ENT specialists. Biopsy is recommended to rule out malignant etiology and avoid overtreatment.
Misterska
Małgorzata
M
Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
Dmochowski
Marian
M
Szulczyńska-Gabor
Joanna
J
Walkowiak
Hanna
H
Bowszyc-Dmochowska
Monika
M
Kaczmarek
Janusz
J
Zaba
Ryszard
R
D002648:Child; D004802:Eosinophilia / Q000473:pathology*; D004803:Eosinophilic Granuloma / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017730:Ki-1 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism*; D008046:Lip / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*; D014456:Ulcer / Q000473:pathology*
D017730:Ki-1 Antigen