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
What are examples of benign mucosal tongue lesions?
- Geographical tongue
- Black hairy tongue
- Fissured tongue
What are the symptoms of geographical tongue?
- sensitivity to acidic/spicy foods
- intermittent
- much worse in young children
- areas of thin epithelial layer, causing redness and smooth patches
What might the dentist notice on examination of a patient with suspected geographical tongue?
semi-circular white patches/lines with red below
What causes black hairy tongue?
- Hyperplasia of papillae
- Bacterial pigment
What might patients with soft/liquid diets suffer from?
Black hairy tongue
How is black hairy tongue treated?
- tongue scraper
- suck peach/nectarine stone
What may causes problems in patients with fissured tongue?
candida within the fissures
What is glossitis?
Inflammation of the tongue (usually smooth and red appearance, usually atrophy)
When should swellings be referred?
- symptomatic
- abnormal overlying and surrounding mucosa
- increasing in size
- rubbery consistency
- trauma from teeth
- unsightly
