Unit 1 - Introduction to Oral Pathology (Lecture) Flashcards
Pathology
The study of the nature of a disease and its causes, development, and consequences
What are the 4 components of disease addressed by pathology?
- Cause/etiology
- Mechanisms of development
- Morphologic changes/structural alteration of cells
- Consequences of changes (lesions/manifestations)
Pathogenesis
Study of the development of disease
Pathophysiology
Study of the changes of normal mechanical, physiological, and biochemical functions, either caused by a disease or resulting from an abnormal syndrome
Oral Pathology
Study of specifically diseases affecting the oral cavity
Lesion
Term used to describe a specific local change in the tissue
Manifestation
Clinical evidence or effects (signs & symptoms of disease)
What are our 3 obligations as DH’s to study oral pathology?
Legal, professional, and ethical
What is the role of the DH in oral pathology?
Identifying, Interpreting, and Reporting
Accurate descriptions of oral lesions must include what 3 things?
Location, distribution, and physical characteristics
Describe a tissue reflectance test
This test includes using a light providing a blue-white illumination and an acetic mouth rinse prior to illumination. Conducted in a dim room.
Describe normal vs. abnormal tissue readings during a tissue reflectance test
Normal tissue appears dark (absorbs light), whereas abnormal tissue appears bright white (reflects light)
Describe normal vs. abnormal tissue readings during a tissue reflectance test
Normal tissue appears dark (absorbs light), whereas abnormal tissue appears bright white (reflects light)
Describe an autofluorescence test
Hand held unit emits a cone of blue light creating different levels of fluorescence
Describe normal vs. abnormal tissue readings during an autofluorescence test
Healthy tissues appear pale green, whereas abnormal tissues appear dark green/black
Describe an autofluorescence spectroscopy
Combines tissue reflectance and autofluorescence using white light; it uses a small probe, making it only useful on small lesions and only those noted on observation. The value of this test is questionable.