Dental clinicians have an opportunity to identify and diagnose oral and facial lesions sooner rather than later. And this means a greater chance of a successful resolution for patients.
Dental anomalies can be complex, confusing, and sometimes hard to differentiate. This roundup of articles from RDH magazine covers many of the common lesions you’re likely to encounter during your day, whether you’re performing a standard clinical exam or a head and neck oral cancer screening.
Keep this quick guide handy for future reference on oral pathology, including clinical manifestations of HSV and HPV, pink and brown skin lesions, tongue conditions, red ulcerative lesions, white lesions, and fibromas.
Viruses and the oral cavity
Human papillomavirus and herpes simplex virus (cold sores) have diverse manifestations. Understanding the various viral presentations of each is crucial to accurately diagnose harmless bumps and even potentially precancerous lesions.
Face and neck screening
A thorough inspection of the skin of the face and neck is an essential part of a comprehensive head and neck cancer screening for dental patients. Here’s what you need to know to become familiar with the appearance of these common skin lesions.
Tongue conditions that suggest a more serious systemic story
Respiratory, autoimmune, and inflammatory issues often manifest in the oral cavity, especially on the tongue. Here are four conditions that may warrant special attention.
Intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with tongue lesions
Several factors—such as a history of allergies, the presence of certain medical conditions, and the use of medications—are associated with an increased probability of tongue lesions. Whether the tongue lesions are caused by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, each has different etiologies.
Serious pathologies of the tongue
With immunological pathologies, the spectrum of differential diagnosis widens. These are serious pathologies such as squamous cell carcinoma, herpes simplex, drug-induced lesions, lupus, and lichen planus.
Identifying immunological pathologies
Identifying variances in normal presentation
Differentiating red ulcerative lesions (“those nonwhite lesions”) from other mixed lesions can be challenging. These lesions resemble white lesions, depending upon the onset of a breakout and when dental examination is sought.
Identifying lesions that need to be referred to a specialist
Any new or existing leukoplakia-type finding should be biopsied, identified, monitored, and referred (as needed) for appropriate care. These lesions are characterized as white patches or plaques that cannot be wiped off or otherwise described clinically.
Isolating benign fibromas from not-so-benign
Fibromas and giant cell fibromas (GCF) are two common benign growths in the buccal mucosa. But there are malignant lesions that mimic fibromas. Here’s what you need to know.
Since dental professionals often see their patients more frequently than their medical counterparts, they are well positioned to catch oral lesions that require treatment or referral early. Make routine, careful screening second nature in your clinical day. Your patients are counting on you for their health.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.
