Fordyce granules

Image Description
Fordyce granules Fordyce granules: Note the yellow plaques with a smooth surface. Fordyce granules represent sebaceous glands and are not pathologic.
Fordyce granules Here is another clinical example of Fordyce granules, with the arrow pointing to one discrete lesion of many.
Fordyce granules Microscopically, Fordyce granules are collections of sebaceous glands similar to those seen in association with hair follicles in the skin. Clusters of gland cells drain their secretions through a short duct into the oral cavity.
Fordyce granules At higher power, the sebaceous lobule may be seen to exhibit holocrine secretion, e.g. the cells degenerate and lyse in the central part of the lobule to form the secretory product. The arrow points toward the duct orifice.