title: Clinical, tomographic aspects and relevance of torus palatinus: case report of two sisters.
abstract: Despite the nomenclature suggested to be a tumor, torus palatinus (TP) is an overgrowth of the bone in the palatal region and represents an anatomic variation. Its prevalence varies among the population studied and its etiology is still unclear; however, it seems to be a multifactorial disorder with genetics and environmental involvement. Surgical removal of the TP is indicated in the following circumstances: (1) deglutition and speech impairment, (2) cancer phobia, (3) traumatized mucosa over the torus, and (4) prosthetic reasons. The aim of this case report is describe cases that occurred in two sisters, emphasizing the genetic etiology of this anatomic variation. In addition, intra-oral exam and computed tomography scan (axial, coronal and sagittal view) provided a detailed assessment of the TP and elimination of other possible diagnoses, furthermore allowed a better analyzes of the anatomic relation with adjacentes structures. No surgical removal was indicated for both cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Alexandre Simões
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Nogueira
authors.forename: Eduardo Sanches
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Gonçales
authors.forename: Paulo Sergio da Silva
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: José Humberto
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Damante
authors.forename: Phillipe Nogueira Barbosa
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Alencar
authors.forename: Fernanda Araújo
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Sampaio
authors.forename: Alexandre Simões
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Garcia
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D063405:Anatomic Variation; D005096:Exostoses / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D021362:Palate, Hard / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed