Week 14 Flashcards
What is leukoplakia
A white patch in the oral mucosa that cannot be rubbed off or linked to a specific disease
What are the chronic irritants linked to leukoplakia?
Tobacco, alcohol, syphilis, vitamin deficiency, hormonal imbalance and friction candidiasis.
What causes leukoplakia?
Hyperkeratosis or epithelial hyperplasia with hyperkeratosis
What locations in the oral cavity are high risk for leukoplakia?
Floor of the mouth, lateral tongue, and lip more likely linked to dysplasia or SCC
What does a firm mass under the leukoplakia indicate?
Strong indicators that the lesion may represent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
What is Erythroplakia?
Red, velvety oral lesion with increased vascularity, often diagnosable, and at risk for malignancy
Why is erythroplakia more susceptible to malignancy?
When epithelial cells no longer produce keratin, Loss of keratin production leads to cellular changes, increasing malignancy right
What is speckled leukoplakia (Erythroleukoplakia)!
A lesion that is a mixture of red and white patches, combining features of leukoplakia (white areas) and erythroplakia (red areas)
Why is Erythroplakia more dangerous than leukoplakia?
Because 90% of cases of erythroplakia, show epithelial dysplasia or squamous cell carcinoma, making it more likely to develop into cancer
