BACKGROUND: Oral focal mucinosis is a rare disease of unknown etiology, where the connective tissue undergoes a focal myxoid degeneration. METHODS: We describe a 48-year-old patient who was referred for a firm, tender mass located on the gingiva of the left central mandibular incisor. The first clinical impression at examination was that of a periodontal abscess. RESULTS: The lesion underwent a biopsy, and the final microscopic diagnosis was oral focal mucinosis. CONCLUSIONS: It must be stressed that in most focal gingival lesions, a preoperative diagnosis can be almost impossible.
BACKGROUND:Oral focal mucinosis is a rare disease of unknown etiology, where the connective tissue undergoes a focal myxoid degeneration. METHODS: We describe a 48-year-old patient who was referred for a firm, tender mass located on the gingiva of the left central mandibular incisor. The first clinical impression at examination was that of a periodontal abscess. RESULTS: The lesion underwent a biopsy, and the final microscopic diagnosis was oral focal mucinosis. CONCLUSIONS: It must be stressed that in most focal gingival lesions, a preoperative diagnosis can be almost impossible.