Chronic hyperplastic candidosis case series: an update on best practice
Lagha, Jaspreet Cain, Eve Jones, Jonathan
Lagha, Jaspreet
Cain, Eve
Jones, Jonathan
Affiliation
The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust; Sherwood Dental Care
Other Contributors
Publication date
2025-01-01
Subject
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Chronic hyperplastic candidosis (CHC) is an uncommon subtype of oral candidosis with potential for malignant transformation. This case series describes three clinical cases and updates the clinical management, aiming to raise awareness of CHC and discuss proposed management pathways. This series involves three men aged 42–67 years who presented to Royal Derby Hospital with red and white patches on the buccal commissures. Clinical presentations varied from homogeneous leucoplakia to crusted erythroleucoplakia. Biopsies with histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of CHC. The series discusses the subsequent management of these cases and assesses the risk of development in these mucosal abnormalities. Management included surgical excision, discussion of risk factors and pharmacological therapy. Only one mucosal abnormality resolved after initial treatment but it recurred three months later. CHC is reported in only 1.6% of oral candidosis cases. The risk of malignant transformation, however, ranges from 4.2% to 66.6%. This emphasises the importance of accurate diagnosis and management, which can be challenging given that characteristic features can mimic more common pathologies such as frictional keratosis and oral lichen planus. A thorough clinical history and examination are imperative to guide towards a working diagnosis, followed by definitive diagnosis through biopsy. There is currently limited literature available on CHC, making it challenging to establish best practices for its management compared with other types of oral candidosis. Management strategies include optimising risk factors, lifestyle modifications, and medical and surgical interventions. The goal is to minimise the risk of recurrence and malignant transformation, often necessitating long-term surveillance programmes. Based on these cases and a review of the current literature, an algorithmic approach for assessment and management is proposed to assist general dental practitioners in managing CHC.
Citation
Lagha. Jaspreet, Cain, Eve, Jones, Jonathan, Chronic hyperplastic candidosis case series: an update on best practice, Faculty Dental Journal, Royal College of Surgeons of England, 10.1308/rcsfdj.2025.6
Type
Article