Oral Multifocal Epithelial Hyperplasia: An Unusual Entity

Abstract

Multifocal epithelial hyperplasia (Heck's disease) is a rare, contagious, asymptomatic, and benign disease affecting the oral mucosa. It is usually seen in childhood and adolescence and is noted only in specific groups in certain geographical regions. The lesion is clinically characterized by the presence of multiple small papules or nodules in the oral cavity, especially on the labial mucosa, buccal mucosa, and tongue. Histopathology is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment remains unspecific, although surgical excision, CO2laser therapy, and topical antivirals are in use. We present a clinical case of a 65-year-old Indian male with multiple oral lesions that clinically and histologically resemble Heck's disease.