Unusual oral multifocal epithelial hyperplasia in an adult African-American lung transplant patient

Transpl Infect Dis. 2021 Apr;23(2):e13497. doi: 10.1111/tid.13497. Epub 2020 Nov 7.

Abstract

Oral multifocal epithelial hyperplasia (MEH), or Heck's disease, is a rare benign proliferation of the oral mucosa associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). It clinically presents as multiple asymptomatic papules and nodules that mostly affect the lips, buccal mucosa, and tongue. MEH is predominantly found in children and young adults while relatively few cases have been reported in the elderly population. Here, we report a case of oral MEH in a 65-year-old man with history of lung transplantation. This case highlights the potential susceptibility of organ transplant recipients to the development of MEH. Since MEH that does not require treatment unless the lesion bothers the patient, clinicians should promptly establish a definitive diagnosis to rule out other HPV-related precancerous lesions.

Keywords: Heck's disease; focal epithelial hyperplasia; human papilloma virus; immunosuppression; multifocal epithelial hyperplasia; organ transplant.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Black or African American
  • Focal Epithelial Hyperplasia*
  • Humans
  • Hyperplasia
  • Lung Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Papillomaviridae