Extensive Amalgam Tattoo (Amalgam Pigmentation) on the Palatal Mucosa: A Case Report

Case Report

J Dent & Oral Disord. 2018; 4(3): 1095.

Extensive Amalgam Tattoo (Amalgam Pigmentation) on the Palatal Mucosa: A Case Report

Fiqhi MK¹*, Essaoudi MA², Khalfi L¹ and Khatib KE¹

1Department of Plastic, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

2Department of Anatomic Pathology, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

*Corresponding author: Fiqhi Mohammed Kamal, Department of Plastic, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco

Received: March 02, 2018; Accepted: April 03, 2018; Published: April 10, 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Amalgam tattoo is the most common exogenous oral pigmentation, caused by traumatic implantation of dental amalgam into soft tissue.

Observation: We report a case of large amalgam pigmentation on right hard palate.

Discussion: Amalgam tattoo can sometimes be confused with melanotic lesions, being then biopsied. Once the diagnosis of amalgam tattoos has been established, the removal of lesions is not necessary, except for esthetic reasons.

Keywords: Amalgam tattoo; Oral mucosa; Pigmentation

Introduction

Oral pigmentations may be classified into two major groups on the basis of their clinical appearance: focal and diffuse pigmentations. All pigmented oral cavity lesions should be viewed with suspicion to eliminate a malignant melanoma. This article deals with an extensive amalgam tattoo lesion on palatal mucosa which required a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.

Case Presentation

A 56-year-old man with an unremarkable medical history was referred to the department of maxillofacial surgery on suspicion of mucosal melanoma. Clinical examination found a large brown flat macula located on the right hard palate adjacent to a restored tooth 16 with presence of amalgam fillings (Figure 1). There was no lymphadenopathy. Panoramic X-ray did not show any abnormalities. A biopsy was performed under local anesthesia. Histology showed brownish-black pigment along the collagenous fibres and in the vascular sheaths. No melanocytes or naevus cells were found (Figure 2). The findings suggested the diagnosis of amalgam tattoo. The patient didn’t need any further treatment.

Citation:Fiqhi MK, Essaoudi MA, Khalfi L and Khatib KE. Extensive Amalgam Tattoo (Amalgam Pigmentation) on the Palatal Mucosa: A Case Report. J Dent & Oral Disord. 2018; 4(3): 1095.