Intraoral hyperpigmentation due to imatinib mesylate. A review of the literature. (15th October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pancholi, Nilesh; Taneja, Pankaj
• Is Part Of: Oral surgery. Volume 9:Number 4(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 206
• Page End: 214
• Publication Date: 2015-10-15
• Subjects: imatinib -- melanosis -- palate -- pigmentation; Mouth -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.522059
• DOI: 10.1111/ors.12194
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-2471

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: The purpose of this article was to review the literature on intraoral pigmentation seen in patients who have received imatinib mesylate therapy in order to increase awareness of this phenomenon and discuss its presentation. The literature review will also aid the differential diagnosis made by clinicians. Material and methods: A literature search was performed using the Embase, Medline and PubMed databases, as well as a web search. English language papers discussing intraoral pigmentation in patients receiving imatinib therapy were included in the review. A manual search of the reference lists of included articles was also conducted. Results: A total of 10 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. These articles comprised of 18 cases of intraoral pigmentation associated with imatinib mesylate. Intraoral pigmentation was reported in 10 female and 8 male patients ranging from 13 to 70 years of age. The most common intraoral site affected was the hard palate. Histological findings showed increased melanin in the lamina propria layer, consistent with drug‐related melanosis. Conclusions: The review has shown that there is evidence to support an association between imatinib therapy and intraoral hyperpigmentation. A number of mechanisms for this have been hypothesised. This benign phenomenon, which can affect different oromucosal sites, may be diagnosed based on clinical findings, and does not require intervention or modification of drug therapy. Clinicians, however, should be aware of this and include it within their differential diagnoses.