Papillary Hyperplasia of the Palate
What is Papillary Hyperplasia of the Palate?
Papillary hyperplasia of the palate is the technical name for small, tightly packed papillary (wart-like protuberances) growths (of normal tissue cells) that develop in the area of the mouth where the dentures are worn constantly. The roof of the mouth may have a ‘pebbled’ appearance.
The lining of the mouth is often red and swollen – particularly if the papillary hyperplasia is accompanied by Candidiasis (a Thrush infection).
What are its Causes?
The condition may be caused by minor injury, ill-fitting dentures, not cleaning the dentures properly, sleeping with the dentures in or by a chronic Thrush infection (also known as denture stomatitis).
What is the treatment?
Papillary hyperplasia usually needs to be surgically removed (by scalpel, cryosurgery, electro-surgery or with a laser) before the denture is placed, although mild cases may respond to anti-fungal treatment.
Am I likely to get it again?
The administration of topical anti-fungal therapy, removal of mechanical trauma caused by the denture and re-inforcement of hygienic measures ease the disappearance of the papillary hyperplasia.
However, local recurrences are frequent if predisposing factors persist.
Useful Articles & Websites
New Eng J Med. Papillary Hyperplasia of the Palate
Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 2016. Inflammatory Papillary Hyperplasia – A Systematic Review