title: Reactive osteocartilaginous metaplasia in denture wearers: a rare trauma-related lesion.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a case of reactive osteocartilaginous metaplasia (ROCM) in the anterior edentulous mandibular ridge.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The ROCM secondary to chronic mechanical denture trauma is rare and appears as a focal sometimes painful mass on or near the crest of the edentulous alveolar ridge in long-term denture wearers. The literature review disclosed 24 cases involving more commonly the posterior portion of the mandible.
  
  
  METHODS
  An 80-year-old female was referred for the evaluation of a painful, submucosal nodule extending into the vestibular mucosa of the anterior edentulous mandibular region. Microscopically, cartilaginous regions exhibiting sparse hyperchromatic or binucleated chondrocytes transitioned into areas of ossification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The diagnosis was ROCM. The presence of osteocartilaginous tissue displaying bizarre histopathological features can create a diagnostic dilemma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Complete conservative surgical excision of this lesion has a very good prognosis. Surgical augmentation of the sharp edentulous mandibular ridges might be needed to avoid continuous irritation and possible recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Evanthia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chrysomali
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Katsoulas
authors.forename: Constantinos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Houpis
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000473:pathology; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051457:Hyaline Cartilage / Q000473:pathology*; D007575:Jaw, Edentulous / Q000473:pathology; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology*; D008679:Metaplasia; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000473:pathology
keywords: bizarre; denture-related lesions; edentulous alveolar ridge; mandible; osteocartilaginous; parosteal proliferation; reactive metaplasia