Heck's disease, also known as Focal Epithelial Hyperplasia, is an asymptomatic, benign neoplastic condition characterized by multiple white to pinkish

papule A papule is a small, well-defined bump in the skin. It may have a rounded, pointed or flat top, and may have a dip. It can appear with a stalk, be thread-like or look warty. It can be soft or firm and its surface may be rough or smooth. Some h ...

s that occur diffusely in the oral cavity. Can present with slightly pale, smooth or roughened surface morphology. It is caused by the

human papilloma virus Human papillomavirus infection (HPV infection) is caused by a DNA virus from the '' Papillomaviridae'' family. Many HPV infections cause no symptoms and 90% resolve spontaneously within two years. In some cases, an HPV infection persists and r ...

types 13 and 32. It exhibits surface cells with vacuolated cytoplasm around irregular, pyknotic nuclei and occasional cells with mitosis-like changes within otherwise mature and well-differentiated epithelium. A distinguishing histologic feature is elongated rete ridges with mitosoid bodies. It shows 'cobblestone' appearance clinically. It was first identified in the Aboriginal population of North America. Over time, they will spontaneously regress without treatment. Possible treatment may be excisional biopsy for lesions of functional or aesthetic concern.

References

Virus-related cutaneous conditions Oral mucosal pathology Papillomavirus-associated diseases {{Cutaneous-infection-stub