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.