Pigmented fungiform lingual papillae: dermoscopic and clinical features

Abstract

Background

The tongue is covered by fungiform, filiform and circumvallate papillae. Fungiform papillae may be mainly pigmented in dark-skinned individuals.

Objective

A single-center study aimed to examine the clinical and dermoscopic features of pigmented fungiform papulae of the tongue (PFPT) in children, and a concise review of the literature has been performed.

Methods

The clinical and anamnestic data of 8 children affected by PFPT visited at the Pediatric Dermatology Unit of Bologna between 2010 and 2017, and a sistemic review of all studies of PFPT published on Pubmed up to August 31, 2017 have been collected and analyzed.

Results

The results of our data were consistent with the literature review: dark brown to black colored pinhead papules or bumps were observed in all cases of PFPT and three types of clinical patterns have been detected. Moreover the dermoscopic examination showed a cobblestone-like distribution and rose petal pattern. PFPT could be associated with hyperpigmentation of other sites such as the proximal nail folds and gums and an intra-familiar transmission is also possible.

Conclusion

Clinical and dermoscopic features of PFPT may help clinicians to recognize this ethnic, acquired, and benign condition.

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