Oral Mucosal Diseases Flashcards
When should a dentist refer a mucosal lesion to oral medicine?
- ANYTHING the dentist things might be cancer
- SYMPTOMATIC lesion that has not responded to standard treatment
- any BENIGN lesion that the patient can’t be persuaded is not cancer
What type of epithelium is the oral mucosa?
stratified squamous epithelium
What types of epithelium can be found within the oral mucosa?
- lining
- masticatory
- gustatory
- non-keratinised
- keratinised
Where is orthokeratinsed mucosa typically found?
Gingiva or Palate where trauma is expected
In which conditions might parakeratinised epithelium be found?
Lichen Planus
What are examples of reactive changes of the oral epithelium?
Can be caused by trauma
- Acanthosis (thickening of mucosa)
What is acanthosis?
Hyperplasia of stratum spinosum
What causes elongated rete ridges?
hyperplasia of basal cells
What are examples of mucosal reactions that can occur?
- Atrophy
- Erosion
- Ulceration
- Oedema
- Blister
What is atrophy in reference to mucosal reactions?
reduction in viable layers
What is erosion in reference to mucosal reactions?
partial thickness loss
What is ulceration in reference to mucosal reactions?
fibrin on surface
What is oedema in reference to mucosal reactions?
swelling within the epithelium (intracellular or intercellular)
What is blister in reference to mucosal reactions?
vesicle or bulla
- collection of fluid
What mucosal changes can occur in the mouth as a result of aging?
Progressive mucosal atrophy
