Alimentary System
Oral Mucosa - Hyperplasia, Squamous
Narrative
Comment:
Squamous hyperplasia of the oral mucosa is usually seen on the palate (Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3) or gingiva (Figure 4). Squamous hyperplasia is characterized by increased numbers of squamous cells resulting in increased thickness of the squamous epithelium, which may be diffuse or plaque-like or form blunt papillary projections. Hyperkeratosis is frequently seen with squamous cell hyperplasia. Ulceration of the these lesions may be seen and is usually attributed to mechanical abrasion. Proliferative lesions of the squamous epithelium are thought to be on a continuum, progressing from focal hyperplasia to papilloma to invasive squamous cell carcinoma, although the papilloma stage may be skipped, with progress directly from focal hyperplasia to squamous cell carcinoma. Papillomas are superficial tumors with marked acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, and papillary patterns. Papillomas are usually exophytic, although the inverted papilloma grows in a cuplike shape into the underlying stroma. Exophytic papillomas have a vascularized inner core of connective tissue extending from the submucosa (forming a stalklike structure) that is covered by proliferating squamous epithelial cells, which are often keratinized. The sessile shape, well-differentiated appearance of cells, and absence of a prominent stromal component are important in distinguishing hyperplasia from papilloma. Squamous cell carcinomas can be differentiated from hyperplasia in that the neoplastic cells of a squamous cell carcinoma generally have atypical cells with karyomegaly, loss of nuclear polarity, enlarged prominent nucleoli, and increased mitotic figures. Neoplastic squamous cells invade beyond the basement membrane, with islands, cords, and trabeculae of neoplastic epithelial cells extending into the underlying stroma.
Recommendations:
Squamous hyperplasia should be diagnosed and graded based on the size, thickness, and number of hyperplastic areas. The location of the lesion (e.g., gingival, palatal) should be noted in the pathology narrative. Associated lesions, such as inflammation, should not be diagnosed separately unless warranted by severity. Hyperkeratosis or ulceration associated with hyperplasia should not be diagnosed separately but should be a part of the lesion description in the pathology narrative.
References:
Brown HR, Hardisty JF. 1990. Oral cavity, esophagus and stomach. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat (Boorman GA, Montgomery CA, MacKenzie WF, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, CA, 9-30.
Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/9002563Leininger JR, Jokinen MP, Dangler CA, Whiteley LO. 1999. Oral cavity, esophagus, and stomach. In: Pathology of the Mouse (Maronpot RR, ed). Cache River Press, St Louis, MO, 29-48.
Abstract: http://www.cacheriverpress.com/books/pathmouse.htmYoshizawa K, Walker NJ, Jokinen MP, Brix AE, Sells DM, March T, Wyde ME, Orzech D, Haseman JK, Nyska A. 2004. Gingival carcinogenicity in female Harlan Sprague-Dawley rats following two-year oral treatment with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and dioxin-like compounds. Toxicol Sci 83:64-77.
Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15509667
Oral mucosa - Hyperplasia, Squamous in a female F344/N rat from chronic study. There is hyperplasia of the squamous epithelium of the hard palate.
All Images
Oral mucosa - Hyperplasia, Squamous in a female F344/N rat from chronic study. There is hyperplasia of the squamous epithelium of the hard palate.
Oral mucosa - Hyperplasia, Squamous in a female F344/N rat from chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). There is hyperplasia of the squamous epithelium of the hard palate.
Oral mucosa - Hyperplasia, Squamous in a male B6C3F1 mouse from a chronic study. The epithelium of the hard palate forms papillary folds.
Oral mucosa - Hyperplasia, Squamous in a male F344/N rat from a chronic study. The gingival epithelium is hyperplastic, with thickening of the epithelial layer and numerous folds.