Oral Medicine and Oral Mucosal Lesions

Oral Medicine is concerned with the oral health care of patients with chronic, recurrent and medically related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region, and with their diagnosis and non-surgical management.

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in colour. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer.

The investigation and of management of these condtions is offered to deal with sometimes very difficult symptoms

There are many causes of oral patches and mouth ulcers, some of which may be pre-malignant, and common ones include:

Leukoplakia

This is a clinical term. The lesion is defined as a white patch or plaque, firmly attached to the oral mucosa, that cannot be classified as any other disease. It is a pre-cancerous lesion (4-6%)

.

 

Lichen Planus

Is a relatively common chronic inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa and skin. The cause is not well-known. White papules that usually coalesce, forming a network of lines (Whickman's striae), are the characteristic oral lesions of the disease. Six forms of the disease are recognized in the oral mucosa: reticular . Middle-age individuals are more commonly affected (Men to women ratio 2:3).. Malignant transformation remains controversial.Is a relatively common chronic inflammatory condition of the oral mucosa and skin. The cause is not well-known. White papules that usually coalesce, forming a network of lines (Whickam's striae), are the characteristic oral lesions of the disease. Six forms of the disease are recognized in the oral mucosa: reticular . Middle-age individuals are more commonly affected (Men to women ratio 2:3).. Malignant transformation remains controversial.

Geographic Tongue

This is a relatively common benign condition, particularly affecting the tongue and rarely other oral mucosal sites. The condition is usually asymptomatic and often coexists with fissured tongue. The diagnosis is made clinically.

 

 

Linea Alba

Seen as a white line and is a relatively common alteration of the buccal mucosa (the inside of the cheeks). Cheek biting is relatively common in nervous individuals and in some people is habitual. These patients may bite the inside surface of their cheeks, lips and tongue.

 

 

Nicotine Stomatitis

Alternativly known as Stomatitis Nicotina, is a common tobacco related type of keratosis that exclusively occurs on the hard palate and is typically associated with pipe and cigar smoking.

 

 

 Candidiasis

Candidiasis or oral thrush is the most common oral fungal infection.

 





Fordyce Spots

 

These are ectopic sebacceous present as multiple, asymptomatic, slightly raised whitish-yellow spots. They occur in about 80% of adults of both sexes. 

 

 

Apthous ulcers

These are the commonest casue of mouth ulcers and often occur in teenagers, although they can occur at any age.

 

 

 

Services Overview

We aim to provide a quality of service of the highest standard with the motto of " Treat as you wish to be treated"

Contact

Address: Fylde Coast Hospital, St Walburgas  Road.  Blackpool.  FY3 8BP
Telephone: 07888 675042
Fax: 08712 428250
 
E-mail: akhtar.pa@omfs.surgery