White Sponge NevusSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About White Sponge Nevus
White sponge nevus is a condition characterized by the formation of white patches of tissue called nevi (singular: nevus) that appear as thickened, velvety, sponge-like tissue. The nevi are most commonly found on the moist lining of the mouth (oral mucosa), especially on the inside of the cheeks (buccal mucosa). Affected individuals usually develop multiple nevi. Rarely, white sponge nevi also occur on the mucosae (singular: mucosa) of the nose, esophagus, genitals, or anus. The nevi are caused by a noncancerous (benign) overgrowth of cells.
Mutations in the KRT4 or KRT13 gene cause white sponge nevus. These genes provide instructions for making proteins called keratins. Keratins are a group of tough, fibrous proteins that form the structural framework of epithelial cells, which are cells that line the surfaces and cavities of the body and make up the different mucosae. The keratin 4 protein (produced from the KRT4 gene) and the keratin 13 protein (produced from the KRT13 gene) partner together to form molecules known as intermediate filaments. These filaments assemble into networks that provide strength and resilience to the different mucosae. Networks of intermediate filaments protect the mucosae from being damaged by friction or other everyday physical stresses.
The exact prevalence of white sponge nevus is unknown, but it is estimated to affect less than 1 in 200,000 individuals worldwide.
This condition is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell can be sufficient to cause the disorder. However, some people who have a mutation that causes white sponge nevus do not develop these abnormal growths; this phenomenon is called reduced penetrance.
Ear, Nose And Throat Associates P.C.
Johnathan Winstead is an Otolaryngologist practicing medicine in Johnson City, Tennessee. Dr. Winstead is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of White Sponge Nevus. He is also highly rated in 30 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, White Sponge Nevus, and Perichondritis. Dr. Winstead is board certified in American Board Of Otolaryngology.
Wenping Cai practices practicing medicine in Shanghai, China. Cai is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of White Sponge Nevus. They are also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. Their clinical expertise encompasses White Sponge Nevus and Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.
Bassett Oneonta Specialty Services
Marina Bravin is a Dermatologist practicing medicine in Oneonta, New York. Dr. Bravin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of White Sponge Nevus. She is also highly rated in 59 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Actinic Keratosis, Melanoma, Warts, and Psoriasis. Dr. Bravin is board certified in Internal Medicine, American Board Of Internal Medicine.
Published Date: February 01, 2014
Published By: National Institutes of Health