Clinical and histopathological features of the first known case of glycogenic acanthosis resembling an isolated gingival tumour: A case report

Glycogenic acanthosis is a common benign lesion of the oesophagus. However, extra-oesophageal localisations in the larynx and oral mucosa in the form of white, papular or plaque-like lesions are possible. We report a nodular gingival form which, to our knowledge, has not been previously observed or published in the scientific literature. This clinical case, presented according to the CARE guidelines, concerns a 63-year-old woman patient in good general health who was diagnosed with glycogenic acanthosis taking the original form of an isolated asymptomatic gingival nodule mimicking a pseudotumour or tumour. The diagnosis was confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry. No complications or recurrences were noted after removal of the nodule. Although oral glycogenic acanthosis is included in the differential diagnosis of leukoplakia, this case report suggests that this diagnostic hypothesis should also be considered in the presence of an isolated gingival nodule. This iconographic aid, supplemented by a review of the literature, is designed to assist the odontologist in the diagnostic process, from clinical examination to anatomopathological examination. • Glycogenic acanthosis is a benign condition of the oesophagus, the aetiology of which remains unclear. • Extra-oesophageal sites are possible, particularly in the gingiva. • Gingiva glycogenic acanthosis may present as white papular or plaque-like lesions but also as an isolated nodule. • The differential diagnosis with other gingival leukoplakias and benign tumours is histological. • Excision is the treatment of choice.