Oral amyloidosis as initial symptom of primary systemic amyloidosis

Abstract

Amyloidosis is a disease characterized by progressive irreversible deposition ofamyloid in the body.
A case of oral amyloidosis as initial symptom of systemic primary amyloidosis is described. A 67 year old man, who complained of multiple hard nodules on the dorsal surface of the tongue, was first seen in the Oral Surgery clinic May, 1986, and the biopsy was carried out.
Histology showed extensive deposition of pale eosinophilic amorphous material. Congo red stains were positive for amyloid and the typical apple green birefringences were noted on polarisation.
Routine laboratory tests were initiated and Bence Jones protein (κ) was positive in urine. Bone marrow aspiration from sternum revealed plasmacytosis. Amyloid depositions were noted later on the face skin, hands and hard palate. Amyloid tumor of the hard palate as vaporized by CO₂ LASER. Chemotherapy (Melphalan, predonine and DMSO) was carried out, but the effect was poor and the patient died of cerebral infarction Feb, 1985.