Heck's disease | |
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Other names | Multifocal epithelial hyperplasia |
Specialty | Oral and maxillofacial surgery |
Heck's disease, also known as Focal Epithelial Hyperplasia, is an asymptomatic, benign neoplastic condition characterized by multiple white to pinkish papules that occur diffusely in the oral cavity.[1][2]: 411 Can present with slightly pale, smooth or roughened surface morphology. It is caused by the human papilloma virus types 13 and 32.[3] It exhibits surface cells with vacuolated cytoplasm around irregular, pyknotic nuclei and occasional cells with mitosis-like changes within otherwise mature and well-differentiated epithelium. A distinguishing histologic feature is elongated rete ridges with mitosoid bodies. It shows 'cobblestone' appearance clinically. It was first identified in the Aboriginal population of North America.[4]
Over time, they will spontaneously regress without treatment.[5] Possible treatment may be excisional biopsy for lesions of functional or aesthetic concern.[citation needed]