Goodlettsville Dental Services

White Sponge Nevus

White sponge nevus, also known as Cannon’s disease, Hereditary leukokeratosis of mucosa, and White sponge nevus of Cannon appears to follow a hereditary pattern as an autosomal dominant trait. Although it is congenital in most cases, it can occur in childhood or adolescence.

Pathophysiology

It is caused by a mutation of the keratin 4 and keratin 13 genes.

White sponge nevus has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance.

Presentation

It presents in the mouth, most frequently as a thick bilateral white plaque with a spongy texture, usually on the buccal mucosa, but sometimes on the labial mucosa, alveolar ridge or floor of the mouth. The gingival margin and dorsum of the tongue are almost never affected.

Although this condition is perfectly benign, it is often mistaken for leukoplakia. There is no treatment, but because there are no serious clinical complications, the prognosis is excellent