An Unusual Case of Burning Mouth Syndrome in an Adult Male: A Case Report

Abstract

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a rare disorder primarily affecting the oral mucosa and characterized by a chronic burning sensation without specific oral mucosal lesions. This paper presents a case of a 54-year-old adult male patient who complained of chronic burning mouth pain. The clinical diagnosis was made after excluding various differentials, including oral candidiasis, hairy oral leukoplakia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, oral lichen planus, local infective processes, and nutritional deficiencies. Physical examination did not reveal specific signs or lesions related to BMS; however, considering the patient's signs, symptoms, and the exclusion of other possibilities, a possible diagnosis of BMS was considered. The patient was evaluated in an outpatient setting, and management was conducted in this setting to reduce patient costs. This presentation is considered rare, as the disorder predominantly affects postmenopausal females, and most proposed theories behind its pathophysiology revolve around estrogen-mediated modulation of pain receptors. Currently, diagnostic and management criteria for BMS may vary and continue to evolve. The management of this patient focuses on patient education and routine follow-up. This case report presents the management of this particular case, along with a review of other proposed management options.

Keywords: bms; burning mouth syndrome; glossodynia; oral pain; orofacial pain; p2x3; purinergic receptors; transient receptor potential vanilloid-1; trigeminal nerve; trpv-1.

Figure 1. Clinical presentation of burning mouth syndrome in a patient

Figure 2. Clinical diagnostic algorithm for BMS diagnosis

BMS - burning mouth syndrome, r/o - rule out