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- Title
Melanin depigmentation of the palatal mucosa in reverse smokers: a preliminary study.
- Authors
Hedin, C.A.; Pindborg, J.J.; Daftary, D.K.; Mehta, F.S.
- Abstract
The melanin pigmentation in the palate of Indian reverse smokers was histologically studied in 80 biopsies, which were compared with corresponding tissue from 49 nontobacco users. The morphology of epithelium containing melanin in its basal part was normal in smokers and nonsmokers, in contrast to areas with a local melanin depigmentation of the epithelium found in some of the reverse smokers. Here an epithelial thinning, inflammation in the underlying connective tissue, and eventually a cancer was found. The histologic appearance was in accordance with the theory that as long as a smoker's melanosis or a genetic melanin pigmentation is present, melanin functions as a defence against toxic agents penetrating into the oral mucosa.
- Subjects
INDIA; MELANINS; ORAL mucosa; TOBACCO use; CONNECTIVE tissues; EPITHELIUM; KERATOSIS; ORAL diseases; MOUTH tumors; PALATE; PIGMENTATION disorders; SMOKING; STOMATITIS
- Publication
Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 1992, Vol 21, Issue 10, p440
- ISSN
0904-2512
- Publication type
journal article
- DOI
10.1111/j.1600-0714.1992.tb00971.x