ABSTRACT
A diverse spectrum of benign oral mucosal lesions exists, presenting as either isolated oral findings or in association with dermatologic conditions. Oral lesions can closely resemble one another; therefore, it is important for clinicians to be able to recognize their distinctive features, to be able to recognize benign versus malignant disease, and to recognize when obtaining a biopsy specimen is warranted. The first article in this continuing medical education series reviews oral anatomy, the clinical attributes of several benign lesions of the oral cavity, and appropriate management and therapeutic modalities.
Subject(s)
Mouth Mucosa/pathology , Mouth Neoplasms/pathology , Mouth/pathology , Biopsy, Needle , Diagnosis, Differential , Education, Medical, Continuing , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Mouth Diseases/pathology , Mouth Neoplasms/surgery , Risk AssessmentABSTRACT
The second article in this continuing medical education series discusses the clinical and histopathologic features of common premalignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity. It is imperative for dermatologists to be able to appropriately recognize suspicious lesions, determine the need to obtain a biopsy specimen, counsel, and refer patients presenting with premalignant or malignant conditions. Given the higher rates of mortality and morbidity of oral mucosal malignancies because of late diagnosis, appropriate treatment with multidisciplinary care in a timely manner is essential to patients with these neoplasms.
