Hyperkeratotic lesions on the gingiva and alveolar ridge: a study of clinicopathologic features

• Grant number: 25/06461-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Ana Lia Anbinder
• Grantee: Karina Carillo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Among the hyperkeratotic white lesions of the oral mucosa are those of reactive origin, such as frictional keratoses caused by chronic trauma and idiopathic keratoses, as well as potentially malignant disorders, such as leukoplakia and oral lichen planus, and truly malignant cases. In many situations, the diagnosis can be challenging, both clinically and histologically. In this context, although nosological diagnosis is important, the main purpose of histopathological diagnosis should be to guide clinical management, indicating whether the lesion is reactive, potentially malignant, or malignant in nature.Over the past decades, the diagnosis of white gingival lesions has undergone several changes, and over time, various terminologies have been proposed and later contested or discontinued. The aim of this study is to histologically reassess hyperkeratotic lesions in the gingiva and alveolar ridge diagnosed at a Brazilian oral pathology center, in order to recognize the epidemiological and clinicopathological aspects of these lesions. To this end, a retrospective study will be conducted based on requisition forms, pathology reports, and histopathological slides from cases histologically diagnosed as hyperkeratosis, keratosis, hyperparakeratosis, hyperorthokeratosis, verrucous hyperplasia, lichen planus, and interface mucositis, with or without epithelial dysplasia, located in the gingiva or alveolar ridge. These cases will be re-evaluated by three calibrated examiners. Epidemiological, clinical, and histopathological data will be analyzed statistically. The results are expected to contribute to diagnostic refinement, identification of clinical-epidemiological patterns, and improvement in clinical decision-making.