Intra-oral soft tissue assessment

Question 1

Outline

Answer 1

Carried out at each exam + in systematic manner, so no areas are missed out + all lesions are investigated

Question 2

Labial, buccal + sulcus mucosa

Answer 2

checked for colour + texture, presence of any white patches (especially affecting buccal mucosa) + level of moisture is noted

Question 3

Palatal mucosa

Answer 3

both hard + soft palates, the oropharynx + tonsils (if present)

Question 4

Tongue

Answer 4

checked for colour, texture, symmetry of shape + movement + levels of mobility. All surfaces are checked, especially beneath as a common site for oral carcinoma to develop

Question 5

Floor of mouth

Answer 5

check for colour + texture, presence of white/red patches, any swellings under the tongue

Question 6

Low moisture levels can indicate

Answer 6

problem functioning of salivary glands e.g. Sjögren’s syndrome or Xerostomia (dry mouth) due to age or medication side effects.
Saliva has important functions in defence, cleaning + dental disease initiation

Question 7

The more likely areas for oral cancer to develop are

Answer 7

on borders of or beneath, the tongue + floor of mouth. this will be well examined in high risk pts e.g. smoking + excessive alcohol consumption. All findings can be recorded on suitable assessment sheet. (photographs can be taken for comparison, while any benign lesions are kept under observation)