MANIFESTAÇÕES ORAIS DA HANSENÍASE: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA

Abstract

Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a chronic infectious disease characterized by skin lesions and nerve involvement. With high prevalence in several regions worldwide, leprosy accounts for thousands of new cases annually. Although its discussion in the literature is uncommon, the disease may also present manifestations in the maxillofacial complex, including a variety of oral signs and symptoms. This study aimed to identify the clinical presentation and main oral manifestations caused by leprosy. The presence of oral manifestations of leprosy was analyzed through a review of PubMed®, Scopus® , BVS®, and SciELO® databases, using the descriptors "leprosy," "Hansen disease," and "oral," and selecting 24 articles in English and Spanish published over the last 20 years. A geographic variation in the profile of these patients was observed, with ages ranging from 7 to 77 years and a predominance in males, particularly in the fourth and fifth decades of life. The most affected sites included the hard and soft palate, uvula, ventral surface of the tongue, lips, and gingiva. The most common lesions were edema, nodules, and gingival changes. In most cases, the treatment utilized was Multidrug Therapy (MDT), with rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine being the main medications used. Although the literature places limited emphasis on the oral region, it frequently exhibits manifestations that can aid in the early diagnosis of leprosy. Therefore, understanding these manifestations positions professionals, particularly dental surgeons, as key players in the early diagnosis and better management of the disease.