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Description
Palmar and plantar fibromatosis are benign, painless thickening in the aponeurosis of the hands and feet, respectively.1 Both forms of superficial fibromatoses can manifest as single or multiple nodular swellings resulting from localised proliferation of abnormal fibrous tissue in sites of predilection.2 Although, the rheumatological and characteristics imaging features of these rare diseases are well documented in literature,3 there are no reports of an oral manifestation.
We report a 54-year-old woman who presented at the oral medicine clinic with widespread, discrete and multiple polyp like nodules of variable size scattered on the dorsal surface, lateral borders and tip of the tongue (figure 1A–C) Physical examination revealed Dupuytren's contractures on the palmar surfaces of both hands (figure 1D, G) and on the plantar surface of the right foot (figure 1E). In addition, a painless, firm and fixed nodule (knuckle pad) was observed on the plantar aspect of the left foot (figure 1H). This was despite previous surgical intervention which resulted in the loss of a toe digit (figure 1F) and a postoperative scar (figure 1I). Although asymptomatic, the patient expressed concern about the risk of malignant transformation arising from the oral manifestation reported in this article. She was reassured that the risk was very low. Regular follow-up was initiated to monitor any further changes that may arise.
Learning points
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Systemic diseases can manifest in the mouth.
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Dentists play an important role in the recognition and multidisciplinary medical management of rare systemic diseases.
Footnotes
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Competing interests None.
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Patient consent Obtained.
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Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.