Publication
Common benign and malignant oral mucosal disease
Timothy Wong, Tami Yap, David Wiesenfeld
Australian Journal of General PracticeSep 1, 2020
Abstract
BackgroundMucosal diseases of the oral cavity are relatively common, and patients often seek initial assessment from their general practitioner.
ObjectiveThe aim of this article is to provide an overview of common oral mucosal diseases to help with formulating a differential diagnosis and stratifying the urgency of referral. DISCUSSION: Pathological mucosal conditions of the oral cavity and jaws commonly present as a mucosal ulcer or a white, red or pigmented lesion. In this review, the authors outline the most common conditions organised according to their clinical presentation and describe their typical appearance and management.
1Key points
- The vast majority of oral mucosal and jaw conditions are benign and amenable to surgical, medical or dental treatment.
- The possibility of an oral cavity malignancy should always be considered, particularly with the presentation of a non-healing ulcer, a bleeding lesion or an area of mucosa that persistently appears red or white. • Any persistent ulcer that has been present for ≥2 weeks should be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or oral medicine specialist for biopsy.
- Leukoplakia and erythroplakia are clinical terms used to describe oral white and red patches respectively that cannot be scraped off and cannot be ascribed to any disease or condition. Referral for biopsy is mandatory as a significant proportion of these lesions will be dysplastic or malignant.
- Any tissue excised from the oral cavity should be sent for histopathological examination as the clinical appearance alone is insufficient to ensure a correct diagnosis.