Case #43:

Case profile:

Patient: Adult male.

Case record:

Chief Complaint: The patient requests treatment of a soft tissue enlargement of the palate and alveolar ridge. The patient first noticed the lesion six months ago. The lesion has been persistent and is progressively increasing in size. It is not painful and does not bleed. The patient has not received treatment for the lesion and denies trauma to the area of the lesion.   Medical History: No abnormalities are identified.   Dental History: The patient has missing teeth due to dental caries. His last dental treatment was ten months ago. The patient has worn a maxillary partial denture for eight years. He does not wear his denture at night. He previously had no problems with the denture, but now the denture does not fit well due to the soft tissue enlargement. The patient brushes his remaining teeth twice a day.   Clinical Findings: The lesion is a diffuse, exophytic, 3 x 3 cm soft tissue enlargement of the left hard palate and alveolar ridge. The lesion is firm, nontender, and fixed to the surface mucosa and underlying structures. The lesion has a smooth surface, a normal mucosal color, and does not blanch. Radiographs reveal no bony abnormalities. There is no evidence of neuropathy, and the lesion does not bleed during examination. There are no palpable lymph nodes, other palpable masses, or palpable areas of tenderness.

Images:

Enlargement of Palate and Alveolar Ridge LG