Acquired Oral Hyperpigmentation: A Benign Finding or a Malignant Clue?

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome (LHS) is a rare, acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation, primarily affecting the oral mucosa and nails. We present a case of a 76-year-old male patient with extensive melanotic macules on the oral mucosa, lips, tongue, genitalia, and acral regions. Histopathological examination revealed basal layer hyperpigmentation and dermal melanophages. Systemic involvement was excluded through interdisciplinary evaluation. LHS, though benign, requires differentiation from syndromes with malignant potential, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. This case underscores the importance of recognizing LHS to avoid unnecessary interventions and ensure appropriate patient reassurance.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.100640
Primary Topic
Genetic factors in colorectal cancer
Type
article
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article

Acquired Oral Hyperpigmentation: A Benign Finding or a Malignant Clue?

Guadalupe Maldonado-Colín, Pablo Belmont Nava, Claudia L Shoup Fierro, Lucia Achell Nava et al.
Cureus
Genetic factors in colorectal cancer
article

Acquired Oral Hyperpigmentation: A Benign Finding or a Malignant Clue?

Guadalupe Maldonado-Colín, Pablo Belmont Nava, Claudia L Shoup Fierro, Lucia Achell Nava, Dolores Maribel Arellano Vivero, Carol E Marquez Maldonado
article en

Abstract

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome (LHS) is a rare, acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation, primarily affecting the oral mucosa and nails. We present a case of a 76-year-old male patient with extensive melanotic macules on the oral mucosa, lips, tongue, genitalia, and acral regions. Histopathological examination revealed basal layer hyperpigmentation and dermal melanophages. Systemic involvement was excluded through interdisciplinary evaluation. LHS, though benign, requires differentiation from syndromes with malignant potential, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. This case underscores the importance of recognizing LHS to avoid unnecessary interventions and ensure appropriate patient reassurance.

CureusVol. 18(1)
Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez (MX), Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI (MX), Institute for Social Security and Services for State Workers (MX)
Openalex Percentile: Top 98%
Genetic factors in colorectal cancer
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Acquired Oral Hyperpigmentation: A Benign Finding or a Malignant Clue? — Guadalupe Maldonado-Colín, Pablo Belmont Nava, et al. · Cureus (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS