Multifocal Epithelial Hyperplasia: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Background: Multifocal epithelial hyperplasia (MEH) or Heck’s disease is a rare benign disorder caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It is characterized by multiple soft well demarcated nodules of the oral mucosa. They are commonly seen in buccal, labial and lingual mucosa. However, tonsilar and gingival lesions have also been reported. A detailed clinical history, examination and histopahological review is needed to arrive at a diagnosis.

Objective: To show the successful treatment of MEH using Salicylic acid and Zinc supplement.

Case Report. Two cases of a 5year old Hausa girl and 7-year-old Hausa boy with a widespread oral lesion of 8 months and 1-year duration respectively. The diagnosis of the case reported were based on clinical evaluation and histopathological investigation. The presence of multiple painless pink nodules and papules on the lips, buccal mucosa and the gingiva as well as histological presence of koliocytes and mitosoid seen on hematoxylin and eosin slide led to the diagnosis of Multifocal Epithelial Hyperplasia.  

Conclusion: We reported 2 cases of MEH, a rare benign oral mucosa lesion in a 5-year-old Hausa female and a 7year old Hausa male in North-West Nigeria who presented with 8 months and 1-year history of widespread oral mucosa lesion respectively and was treated successfully using salicylic acid and zinc supplement.

Keywords: Multifocal Epithelial Hyperplasia, Salicylic acid, Zinc supplement