Oral Fordyce’s Granules and Serum Lipid Profile; any Relationship?

Abstract

Background: Sebaceous glands are normal structures of the skin, but may be ectopically found in the
mouth, as oral Fordyce granules. They are located just beneath the overlying epithelium and are visible
through the epithelium producing local elevations. It has been suggested that there is a relation between
elevated lipid profile and the presence of these granules.
Method: A total of 130 individuals were included in this cross-sectional study, who were subjected to the
oral examination for the presence & scoring of oral Fordyce granules, then blood samples were taken. Case
sheet involved, demographic information and medical history. Using specialized kits, lipids profile analysis
was done on a fully automated spectrophotometric analyzer.
Results: Fordyce granules were recorded in 25% of cases, with males formed the majority of them. In both
gender, lip was the most commonly affected sites.
Fordyce granules were observed in one-third of patients with systemic diseases.
The majority of cases with Fordyce granules, recoded normal triglyceride, HDL, LDL and VLDL levels, but
one-fourth of patients with hyper cholesterol were seen with Fordyce granules. Chi-Square test showed no
association between lipid profile & these granules.
A negative correlation was found between Fordyce granules number and cholesterol, HDL and LDL levels,
although statistically non- significant.
Conclusion: Oral Fordyce granules were most frequently observed in the lips, with male gender and older
age predilections. The current study did not support the association between oral Fordyce granules and
serum lipid profile changes.