Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia: A puzzle

Eosinophils in Oral Disease: A Narrative Review

The prevalence of diseases characterised by eosinophilia is on the rise, emphasising the importance of understanding the role of eosinophils in these conditions. Eosinophils are a subset of granulocytes that contribute to the body's defence against bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections, but they are also implicated in haemostatic processes, including immunoregulation and allergic reactions. They contain cytoplasmic granules which can be selectively mobilised and secrete specific proteins, including chemokines, cytokines, enzymes, extracellular matrix, and growth factors. There are multiple biological and emerging functions of these specialised immune cells, including cancer surveillance, tissue remodelling and development. Several oral diseases, including oral cancer, are associated with either tissue or blood eosinophilia; however, their exact mechanism of action in the pathogenesis of these diseases remains unclear. This review presents a comprehensive synopsis of the most recent literature for both clinicians and scientists in relation to eosinophils and oral diseases and reveals a significant knowledge gap in this area of research.

Thalidomide for management of refractory oral mucosal diseases

BACKGROUND

Thalidomide has anti-inflammatory properties and has been used off-label for multiple mucocutaneous disorders, but its application in managing refractory oral mucosal diseases is unclear. This study aimed to review the efficacy and safety of thalidomide in treating various oral mucosal disorders refractory to conventional therapies.

METHODS

The medical records of patients who were prescribed thalidomide from 2002 through 2021 for oral mucosal disorders were reviewed. Data collected included demographic characteristics, oral mucosal disease diagnosis, treatment courses, and thalidomide dose, duration, response, and side effects.

RESULTS

Thalidomide was prescribed for 28 patients with diagnoses of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (n = 14), inflammatory oral lichenoid lesions (n = 6), traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stroma eosinophilia (n = 5), chronic radiation-induced mucositis (n = 2), and orofacial granulomatosis (n = 1). Patients were treated for a median duration of 84 days (range 2-1,582). Clinical improvement was observed in 19 of 22 patients who completed at least 1 cycle of thalidomide (86.4%), with complete resolution in 12 patients (54.5%). Adverse events occurred in 75% of patients (n = 21), with 8 requiring thalidomide discontinuation. The most common adverse events included peripheral neuropathy (42.9%), drowsiness (28.6%), and constipation (21.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Thalidomide may be considered for the management of refractory oral mucosal disorders. Drug side effects are common and need monitoring closely during use.

Traumatic ulcerative granuloma with stromal eosinophilia (TUGSE): Case report of a 63-year-old male patient with a rare self-healing oral mucosal lesion

Traumatic Ulcerative Granuloma with Stromal Eosinophilia (TUGSE)/Riga Fede disease is a rare mucosal and submucosal benign reactive inflammatory process, usually involving the tongue. Trauma is believed to be a major factor amongst the multiple pathogenic mechanisms that have been hypothesized in TUGSE. The lesion presents as an isolated indurated or even ulcerated mass, which may mimic, clinically a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). We herein report a case of TUGSE in a 63-year-old male referred by his treating physician for high suspicion of tongue malignancy. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of TUGSE, without any evidence of a neoplasic, infectious or hematologic process. TUGSE occurs in patients with an age range of 41-60 years. Sufficiently deep biopsies with comprehensive immunohistochemical and molecular analyses are mandatory to confirm the benign nature of the lesion and to, definitely, rule out malignancy. This report highlights the need for adequate histological differential diagnosis to avoid inappropriate heavy treatments in a benign condition.