Plummer-Vinson Syndrome: General characteristics and associated oral alterations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Plummer-Vinson Syndrome (PVS) is difficulty in swallowing due to iron deficiency anemia, esophageal spasms and pain when swallowing and weakness. Because it has a great interaction with the mucosal tissue, some oral lesions may occur more frequently in this population. OBJECTIVE: To characterize PVS, highlighting the oral involvement of this clinical condition. METHODOLOGY: This is a narrative literature review with a search in the electronic database of PubMed®, SciELO, Virtual Health Library and Google Scholar, using the descriptors "Plummer-Vinson Syndrome", "Oral Manifestations" and " Oral Neoplasms", without time restriction and in the Portuguese language. LITERATURE REVIEW: PVS is a rare condition, characterized by findings of iron deficiency anemia, cervical dysphagia and esophageal membranes. Therefore, endoscopic monitoring of the esophagus and pharynx is necessary due to the high incidence of carcinoma in these organs, resulting from the syndrome. PSV increases the risk of cancer in the pharynx and possibly the mouth, with symptoms such as ulcers, pallor, tongue pigmentation and inflammation, loss of taste buds, and difficulty opening the mouth. CONCLUSION: It is essential that dentists and other health professionals are aware of the changes caused by the Syndrome, in order to perform early diagnoses or refer to more qualified professionals.