Eosinophilic ulcer: the role of stress-induced psychoneuroimmunologic factors
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Abstract
Introduction
Eosinophilic ulcer (EU) is a rare pathology and its etiology is still slightly known. It is a benign lesion characterized by fast-growing ulceration with elevated and indurated borders, most commonly affecting the tongue.
Case report
The authors describe a case of EU on a lingual border that was initiated and had its clinical behavior altered by the psychological stress the patient was experiencing.
Discussion
This paper discusses the stress effects that alter the individual’s immunologic response, thus attracting mast cells and eosinophils towards the mucosal epithelium, which are involved in eosinophilic ulcer. The authors make an association between eosinophilic ulcer and atopic dermatitis, two diseases that appear to have a similar, though not fully defined, etiology. The psychological stress factor was considered a predisponent factor for eosinophilic ulcer etiology and its interference in the etiology and evolution of this disease should be considered.
Keywords
Eosinophilic ulcer Oral pathology Differential diagnosis Squamous cell carcinomaNotes
Conflicts of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.
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