FOCAL EPITHELIAL HYPERPLASIA (HECK’S DISEASE) TREATED WITH USING A DIODE LASER

Abstract

Focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) or Heck’s disease is an uncommon asymptomatic proliferation of oral mucosa. It usually presents with multiple asymptomatic and occasionally painful exophytic papules or nodules on the buccal mucosa, gingiva, tongue or lips. Although the lesions may resolve after months or years with or without any specific treatment, they may also indefinitely persist or frequently recur. These lesions can be surgically removed if the lesions are exposed to occlusal trauma or the patient has aesthetic concerns. A 35-year-old female patient was admitted to our clinic with the complaint of multiple nodules on her lip and buccal mucosa. After an intraoral examination, we detected multiple, soft, pink, non-inflammatory, and exophytic 2 to 8 mm papules on the oral mucosa including buccal mucosa and lower lip. Histopathologic examination of the incisional biopsy of a papule confirmed the diagnosis of focal epithelial hyperplasia. Oral lesions were treated with serial partial excisions using diode laser. After 24 months of a follow-up period, there were no signs of recurrence. Although Heck’s disease is generally seen in childhood and adolescence, a rare case of FEH seen in a female adult patient who has got treatment with diode laser and 24 months of follow-up