Colour changes in the mucosa

Question 1

Why do white lesions appear white?

Answer 1

Thickening of the mucosa or keratin - les visibility of blood.
Less blood in the tissues - VASOCONSTRICTION - blanching of tissues to make white

Question 1

Definition of leukoplakia

Answer 1

A white patch that cannot be scraped off or attributed to any other cause

Question 2

Causes/ different types of white lesions

Answer 2

Lichen planus
Candidal leukoplakia
Carcinoma
Smoker’s keratosis
Hereditary

Question 3

Definition of acanthosis and what lesion does it occur in?

Answer 3

Thickening of epithelial layers - particularly stratum spinosum

Question 4

Describe how smoker’s keratosis occurs

Answer 4

Trauma from thermal gases – reactive change is keratosis – gives thickening and increases difficulty of seeing blood flow through tissue.

Question 5

When should a white patch be referred?

Answer 5

Most are benign but
If lesion is becoming more raised and thickened - should be referred to a specialist
If lesion is WITHOUT CAUSE - refer and keep under review
Areas of concern
- Lateral tongue
- Anterior FOM
- Soft palate area

Question 6

What is concerning about a red lesion in only one part of the denture-bearing area?

Answer 6

Why is the whole denture-bearing area not red