Characterization of Oral Melanocytic Nevi in Sun-Exposed and Sun-Protected Regions.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Oral melanocytic nevi (OMN) are histologically similar to skin nevi; however, they are much rarer and not always related to sun exposure. This study aimed to characterize the histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of OMN in sun-exposed (vermilion lip) and sun-protected (intraoral) regions.

Method

Cross-sectional study on 14 intraoral and 20 vermilion lip OMN. Hematoxylin-eosin, immunohistochemistry for TRP2 and MiTF, and RT-qPCR for TRP2 and MiTF were used to assess histopathology, protein, and mRNA expression, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

Intramucous and blue nevi are the most frequent histological subtypes. Intraoral lesions predominantly affect Brown or Black individuals (64.3%), presenting mostly as ma

SUBMITTER: Tavares TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12721702 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature