Epstein's pearls
Encyclopedia
Epstein's pearls are small white or yellow cyst
ic vesicles (1 to 3 mm in size) often seen in the median palatal raphe of the mouth of newborn infants (occur in 65-85% of newborns). They are typically seen on the roof of the mouth (palate
) and are filled with fluid. They are caused during the development of the palate by entrapped epithelium
(fissural cyst).
They do not require treatment because they resolve spontaneously over the first few weeks of life.
Similar cysts that are scattered over the hard palate are referred to as Bohn's nodules
come from minor salivary glands.
They were described by Alois Epstein
.
Cyst
A cyst is a closed sac, having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, a cyst could go away on its own or may have to be removed through surgery.- Locations :* Acne...
ic vesicles (1 to 3 mm in size) often seen in the median palatal raphe of the mouth of newborn infants (occur in 65-85% of newborns). They are typically seen on the roof of the mouth (palate
Palate
The palate is the roof of the mouth in humans and other mammals. It separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. A similar structure is found in crocodilians, but, in most other tetrapods, the oral and nasal cavities are not truly separate. The palate is divided into two parts, the anterior...
) and are filled with fluid. They are caused during the development of the palate by entrapped epithelium
Epithelium
Epithelium is one of the four basic types of animal tissue, along with connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body, and also form many glands. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective...
(fissural cyst).
They do not require treatment because they resolve spontaneously over the first few weeks of life.
Similar cysts that are scattered over the hard palate are referred to as Bohn's nodules
Bohn's nodules
Bohn's nodules are smooth whitish bumps or cysts which are sometimes found in the mouths of newborns. They are found at the junction of the hard and soft palate, and along lingual and buccal parts of the dental ridges, away from the midline. These nodules are 1-3 mm in size, and filled with...
come from minor salivary glands.
They were described by Alois Epstein
Alois Epstein
Alois Epstein was a Czech paediatrician remembered for describing Epstein's pearls. He studied at the University of Prague, graduating M.D. in 1873. He worked as a physician in Prague, becoming privat-docent in paediatrics in 1880, and professor of paediatrics in 1884.- References :...
.