Objective: A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the anatomic location and characteristics of amyloid deposition in the oral cavity.
Study design: Seventeen biopsy specimens that were conclusive for a diagnosis of amyloidosis were assessed in terms of their anatomic location and histopathologic characteristics.
Results: Biopsy specimens were received from 13 patients-9 females and 4 males. Six specimens were taken from the buccal mucosa, 4 from the tongue, 3 from the palate, 2 from the gingiva, and 2 from the floor of the mouth. Fifteen of 17 specimens (88%) had amyloid deposition in the subepithelial connective tissue in all locations.
Conclusion: On the basis of our pilot data, a previously overlooked intraoral anatomic location, the buccal mucosa, may prove to be of higher diagnostic value than others previously reported in terms of obtaining a diagnosis of amyloidosis. In addition, the manner in which tissue biopsies are conducted for amyloid detection may be altered to create less morbidity.