White sponge nevus

Abstract

White sponge nevus (WSN) is one of a number of white lesions of the oral mucosa. It is an autosomal dominant disorder of wide variability and high penetrance. White sponge nevus is characterized by white, spongy lesions of the oral mucosa, although extraoral mucosae may also be affected. Onset is early in life, and both sexes are affected equally. There are no extramucosal lesions associated with WSN. The plaques of WSN are benign and may undergo alternate periods of remission and exacerbation. In two of our cases from an affected family, penicillin precipitated remission of the plaques.