Case #32:

Case profile:

Patient: Adult male.

Case record:

Chief Complaint: During a recall examination, multiple soft tissue enlargements are noted on the hard palate. The patient has been aware of the lesions for three to four years. The lesions have been persistent and are larger now than when first noted. They are not painful and do not bleed.   Medical History: The patient reports gastric upset after taking erythromycin. The patient reports hospitalization for surgical repair of a hernia.   Dental History: The patient seeks dental treatment when he has problems with his dentures. His last dental visit was two years ago. The patient has worn maxillary and mandibular dentures for eight years. His current dentures are four years old. He wears his dentures while he is sleeping. He says his dentures don't fit as well now as they did when he first received them. The patient cleans his dentures twice a week with a denture cleaner and a special denture brush.   Clinical Findings: The lesions consist of multiple, compressible, nontender, erythematous, soft tissue nodules which are fixed to the surface mucosa and to the underlying structures. The nodules do not bleed or blanch upon palpation. The surface of each nodule is smooth, but the multiple nodules give the entire lesion a rough texture. Panoramic radiograph reveals no abnormalities of the underlying bone. There is no evidence of skin, major salivary gland, or otologic abnormalities. There is no lymphadenopathy.

Images:

Soft Tissue Enlargements on Hard Palate LG