Manifestações orais de micoses endêmicas incomuns à prática odontológica: revisão integrativa da literatura

Abstract

Human fungal diseases are a significant global health issue that affects both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients, with the oral mucosa being a target tissue for many microorganisms involved in these infections. This study aimed to identify the clinical presentation and main oral manifestations of eight endemic mycoses that are uncommon in dental practice. A search was conducted in the PubMed®/Medline® and Scopus® databases using the descriptors "aspergillosis," "blastomycosis," "coccidioidomycosis," "cryptococcosis," "chromoblastomycosis," "histoplasmosis," "mucormycosis," and "paracoccidioidomycosis," each crossed with the descriptor "oral" using the Boolean operator "AND." English series and case reports from the last 10 years were included. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 64 articles with 71 cases of fungal infections with oral manifestations were selected. A geographical variation in publications and patient profiles was observed, with cases ranging from 5 to 83 years of age, primarily in the fourth decade of life. Diagnosis was more prevalent in men, and the most affected sites were the gingiva/ridge, palate, and tongue, with ulcerative conditions of rapid to slow progression. A treatment standard was established, mainly associating systemic antifungal therapy with surgical removal, depending on access to therapeutic resources. It is essential for the dentist to conduct a thorough clinical examination and have knowledge of the possible clinical presentations of endemic mycoses. Despite being considered uncommon in dental practice, they can worsen the patient's systemic condition and lead to death. Thus, the dental professional can play a key role in early diagnosis and better disease management.