oral cavity

Hypertrophic candidiasis

Hypertrophic candidiasis, also known as chronic hyperplastic candidiasis, is an abnormal thickening of the tissue on the inside of the mouth caused by infection with Candida fungus. What causes hypertrophic candidiasis? Hypertrophic candidiasis is caused by infection with Candida fungus. Candida species, particularly Candida albicans, are normally present in the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and …
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Polymorphous adenocarcinoma

What is polymorphous adenocarcinoma? Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is a type of salivary gland cancer. Pathologists divide polymorphous adenocarcinoma into two types: conventional and cribriform. Where is polymorphous adenocarcinoma found in the body? Polymorphous adenocarcinoma typically involves one of the minor salivary glands in the oral cavity, with the most common location being the palate. Can …
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Secretory carcinoma of the salivary glands

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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Myoepithelioma of the salivary glands

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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Lichenoid mucositis

What is lichenoid mucositis? Lichenoid mucositis is a pattern of inflammation characterized by large numbers of immune cells and tissue damage on the inside of the mouth. This pattern of inflammation can be seen in a variety of immune-mediated conditions, drug reactions, and chemical exposures. What are the symptoms of lichenoid mucositis? Lichenoid mucositis is …
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Mucocele of the oral cavity

What is a mucocele in the oral cavity? A mucocele of the oral cavity, also known as a mucus cyst, is a noncancerous growth on the inside of the mouth. It is called a “mucocele” because it is filled with mucus. Mucoceles commonly involve the lips, inner cheeks, and floor of the mouth. What causes …
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Oral cavity

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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Keratinizing squamous dysplasia of the oral cavity

What is keratinizing squamous dysplasia in the oral cavity? Keratinizing squamous dysplasia is a pre-cancerous disease that starts from specialized squamous cells that cover the inside surface of the oral cavity. This area includes the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, and hard palate. Keratinizing squamous dysplasia is considered a pre-cancerous disease because it can …
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Squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the oral cavity

What is squamous cell carcinoma in situ of the oral cavity? Squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) is a non-invasive type of oral cavity cancer. The oral cavity includes the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, and hard palate. If left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma in situ is associated with a high risk of developing …
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Squamous dysplasia of the oral cavity

What is squamous dysplasia in the oral cavity? Squamous dysplasia (also called epithelial dysplasia) is a precancerous disease that starts from specialized squamous cells that cover the inside surface of the oral cavity. This area includes the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, and hard palate. Squamous dysplasia is considered a pre-cancerous disease because it …
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