Focal epithelial hyperplasia: a survey of two isolated communities in the Cape Province of South Africa.

The aims of this study were to determine the distribution of focal epithelial hyperplasia (FEH) among Cape Coloured communities, and whether a family connection could be traced. Two isolated communities near Cape Town were selected and it was attempted to examine as many population members as possible. After it was established that one community had a comparatively high prevalence of FEH, a second visit was undertaken to determine whether a familial distribution existed. Six hundred and fifty-six people and 130 households were examined in the above community and 486 people in the second. The median ages of the two communities were 18.6 and 18.4 yr respectively. Both age and sex distributions of the two populations did not differ significantly. A significant difference in the prevalence of FEH was found between the two communities. Ninety-seven cases (14.8%) were diagnosed in the first and 21 cases (4.3%) in the second community (P less than 0.05). FEH occurred in all age groups and both sexes. Lesions occurred mostly on the mucosae of the lower and upper lips and in the gingiva. No definite familial distribution could be established.