Fordyce Granules or Fordyce Spots

Definition: Fordyce granules or spots is a collection of sebaceous glands that occur in various locations in the oral cavity.

Synonyms: Fordyce Spots, Fordyce Disease

Etiology:

Inclusion of ectoderm having potentialities of skin in the oral cavity during development of maxilla & mandible- embryonic life

Differential Diagnosis:

• Sebaceous Hyperplasia
• Epidermoid cyst
• Dermoid cyst

Clinical Features:

Incidence:  80%
Age: Adults
Sex predilection :  M=F
Site or Location:

• Buccal mucosa (opposite molar teeth)
• Fordyce Lips
• Retromolar region

Clinical appearance:

• Bilaterally symmetrical
• Small yellow spots either discreetly separated or forming plaques
• Projecting slightly above the surface of the tissue

Histologic Features:

• Similar to sebaceous glands of skin –but not associated with hair follicles
• Usually superficial just beneath the overlying epithelium which often produce local elevation of the epithelium
• Consist of few or more lobules grouped around one or more ducts which open on the surface of the mucosa

Treatment of Fordyce spots or Granules:

• Treatment is not required.
• Inflamed glands can be treated by Clindamycin
• But in case of any effect to physical appearance due to Fordyce spots or Granules on Lips the mode of treatment is: Laser Treatment of Fordyce spots on Lips is done
• Neoplastic Transformation has been reported but very rare.

Recurrence:

• No Recurrence is seen