Objective:

The aim of the present study was to assess effectiveness of trichloroacetic acid therapy in the treatment of oral lesions produced in focal epithelial hyperplasia cases.

Material and methods:

In the present study 11 patients were included. Patients exhibited clinical and histopathological characteristics of focal hyperplasia and were willing to participate in the study. Convenience sampling was executed in patients attending clinical consultation at the Dental Clinic of the Rafael Nuñez University Corporation and the University of Cartagena. Patients underwent excision biopsy in one of the lesions so as to establish anatomical-pathological diagnosis. Subsequently, 80% trichloroacetic acid was applied every two weeks on the lesions, until lesions disappeared.

Results:

Out of 11 pediatric patients 63.64% were female, average age nine years. Locations of greater involvement in the mouth were upper and lower labial mucosa (representing 100%). Anatomical-pathological study revealed in all cases presence of epithelial acanthosis, papillomatosis and koilocytiosis. The greatest number of acid applications was three and four episodes with 27%, average time for lesion disappearance was 61.3 days. No relapse was observed in 100% of cases.

Conclusion:

Trichloroacetic acid application in focal epithelial hyperplasia cases is an effective technique which achieves rapid, atraumatic stress-free lesion resolution which did not generate fear in involved patients.

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