Destructive Ulcerated Lesions of the Hard Palate

A 34-year-old woman presented with ulcerated plaques on the palate and gingiva. Culture of a palatal biopsy specimen was positive for Staphylococcus aureus . On day 10 of IV antibiotic treatment, the patient presented with fever and swelling on the left side of her face. A 34-year-old woman presented with a 3-month history of ulcerated plaques on the palate and gingiva. Physical examination revealed two ulcerated lesions with irregular margins on the hard palate (Panel A) and gingival mucosa (Panel B). The palatal bone and maxillary alveolar process were focally denuded of their mucosal covering. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses, nose, and orbit with the use of contrast material revealed no evidence of mass or lymphadenopathy. Nasal endoscopy was normal. Culture of a palatal biopsy specimen was positive for Staphylococcus aureus . Histopathological findings were negative for cancer. The patient began receiving intravenous antibiotic . . .