# Acquired Oral Hyperpigmentation: A Benign Finding or a Malignant Clue?

## TL;DR

A 76-year-old man with oral and skin pigmentation is diagnosed with Laugier-Hunziker syndrome, a benign condition that must be distinguished from potentially malignant ones.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the clinical and histopathological features of Laugier-Hunziker syndrome to guide accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary interventions.

## Key findings

- The patient exhibited melanotic macules on oral mucosa, lips, tongue, genitalia, and acral regions.
- Histopathology showed basal layer hyperpigmentation and dermal melanophages with no systemic involvement.
- LHS was confirmed as benign after ruling out malignant syndromes like Peutz-Jeghers.

## Abstract

Laugier-Hunziker syndrome (LHS) is a rare, acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation, primarily affecting the oral mucosa and nails. We present a case of a 76-year-old male patient with extensive melanotic macules on the oral mucosa, lips, tongue, genitalia, and acral regions. Histopathological examination revealed basal layer hyperpigmentation and dermal melanophages. Systemic involvement was excluded through interdisciplinary evaluation. LHS, though benign, requires differentiation from syndromes with malignant potential, such as Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. This case underscores the importance of recognizing LHS to avoid unnecessary interventions and ensure appropriate patient reassurance.