Background: HPV associated dysplasia of the oral cavity is a precancerous condition in which the squamous cells that cover the inside of the oral cavity begin to show abnormal growth due to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). If not treated effectively, this condition can progress to a type of oral cavity cancer called squamous …
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An oral melanotic macule is a benign (noncancerous), flat, pigmented spot found on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity. It is not a type of cancer nor a precursor to cancer but is simply a localized area of increased pigmentation. Does an oral melanotic macule need to be removed? This lesion is generally harmless …
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Background: Hypertrophic candidiasis, also known as chronic hyperplastic candidiasis, is a persistent fungal infection of the oral cavity caused by Candida species, most commonly Candida albicans. Unlike other forms of oral candidiasis, which often present as white, removable plaques, hypertrophic candidiasis results in thickened, white plaques that cannot be easily scraped off. This condition represents …
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Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (previously known as polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma) is a type of cancer that arises in the salivary glands. It typically occurs in the minor salivary glands found throughout the mouth and throat. This tumour is most commonly seen in the palate, but it can also occur in other areas such as the lip, buccal mucosa …
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What is secretory carcinoma of the salivary glands? Secretory carcinoma is a relatively uncommon type of salivary gland cancer. It is characterized by a genetic change involving the genes ETV6, RET, or NTRK3. This genetic change results in a combination or fusion of two of the three genes. A similar tumour can be found in …
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What is a myoepithelioma? A myoepithelioma is a non-cancerous type of salivary gland tumour. It is made up of specialized myoepithelial cells that are normally found in the salivary gland. This tumour should not be confused with the similarly named myoepithelioma that starts in soft tissue. Where is myoepithelioma normally found? Most myoepitheliomas are found …
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Background: Lichenoid mucositis is a pattern of inflammation characterized by large numbers of immune cells and tissue damage inside the mouth. This pattern of inflammation can be seen in various immune-mediated conditions, drug reactions, and chemical exposures. What are the symptoms of lichenoid mucositis? Lichenoid mucositis is associated with red or white patches in the …
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Background: A mucocele of the oral cavity, also known as a mucus cyst, is a noncancerous growth inside the mouth. It is called a “mucocele” because it is filled with mucus. This condition commonly involves the lips, inner cheeks, and floor of the mouth. What causes a mucocele in the oral cavity? Mucoceles in the …
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Background: Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is a precancerous condition characterized by abnormal changes in the epithelial cells lining the oral cavity. These changes indicate that the cells are growing and maturing abnormally, which can potentially progress to oral squamous cell carcinoma if not properly managed. Oral epithelial dysplasia can appear as white patches (leukoplakia), red …
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What is the oral cavity? The oral cavity is the beginning of the aerodigestive tract. The oral cavity starts at the lips and ends in a part of the throat called the oropharynx. The oral cavity is made up of multiple parts including the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, gingiva, buccal mucosa, hard palate, and …
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