Clinical features:
(1) predominantly affects women
(2) vesiculobullous lesions limited to the oral cavity
(3) peeling of mucosa (desquamation) may occur in affected areas (desquamation)
(4) symptoms may include bleeding, pain, and difficulty eating
Involvement may be focal or diffuse, affecting:
(1) gingiva
(2) buccal mucosa
(3) labia
(4) palate
(5) tongue
More severe disease:
(1) tends to occur in younger patients
(2) can result in significant impairment
(3) requires more aggressive management
(4) requires longer followup to detect relapse or recurrence
Immunofluorescence shows linear deposition of complement and/or immunoglobulins along the basement membrane zone.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) cicatricial pemphigoid (benign mucous membrane pemphigoid): if other mucosal surfaces involved in addition to the oral mucosa (orbit, nasal, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, genital, other)
(2) generalized pemphigoid: with involvement of skin
