Myospherulosis of the oral hard and soft tissues

Myospherulosis is a unique, inflammatory, granulomatous lesion, which results from the action of lipid substances on extravasated erythrocytes. Petrolatum-based antibiotic ointments are the most frequent etiologic agents of iatrogenically acquired lesions. Six intraoral cases of myospherulosis are presented, including the first reported case in oral soft tissues. The literature of reported cases is summarized and the epidemiology, histopathology, and ultrastructure of the lesions are discussed. Predisposing events and recommendations for future use of petrolatum-based antibiotic ointments are presented.