Is oral mucosa cancerous?
Oral mucosal cancer presents clinically in various ways depending on its location. Early disease may manifest as irregular white, red, or mixed patches on the mucosa. More established cancers appear as an indurated raised nodule, often with an ulcerated surface that may cause little pain.
Which is the most common site for carcinoma of oral tongue?
Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the anterior two thirds of the tongue is the second most common oral cancer, with the lateral border being the most common location. Squamous cell carcinoma of the dorsum of the tongue is exceedingly rare and has been described in the past as a myth or misdiagnosis.
What is oral mucosa disease?
What is oral mucosal disease? The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane lining or “skin” inside of the mouth, including cheeks and lips. People with oral mucosal diseases may develop painful mouth sores or ulcers on this lining. Mucosal diseases can affect any mucous membrane.
Is the tongue part of the oral mucosa?
The tongue is part of the oral cavity; its anatomy is specifically described elsewhere (see Tongue Anatomy). The palatine tonsils, soft palate, tongue base, and posterior pharyngeal walls are part of the oropharynx; the oropharynx is not part of the oral cavity.
What causes squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth and throat?
The chief risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma are heavy smoking and alcohol use. Oral cancer is sometimes asymptomatic initially, so oral screening (typically by dental professionals) is useful for early diagnosis.
Where are most tongue cancers located?
Tongue cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the cells of the tongue. Several types of cancer can affect the tongue, but tongue cancer most often begins in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the surface of the tongue.
What are the three types of oral mucosa?
Histologically, the oral mucosa is classified into three categories, lining, masticatory, and specialized.
What color is oral mucosa?
Oral mucosa is generally pink in colour. Highly keratinized, firm, stippled and pale masticatory mucosa cover the hard palate, dorsal surface of tongue, and gingiva.
What are mucosal symptoms?
Symptoms of Mucosal Disorders
- White or yellow discharge.
- Itching.
- Redness of the vulva (external area of the female genitals)
- Burning.
What does a healthy oral mucosa look like?
Normal tissues of the buccal mucosa appear moist and pink/dark pink. They are soft and pliable on palpation with no discernible indurations. Stensen’s duct should be identified with or without the presence of a parotid papilla.
What does healthy oral mucosa look like?
Oral mucosa Healthy tissue appears moist, smooth, shiny and pink. Stensen’s duct is opposite the second molar. Abnormal findings include dryness, cyanosis, paleness and Fordyce spots, and signs of disease include canker sores, Koplik’s spots (an early indication of measles), candidiasis and leukoplakia.
Where does mucosal melanoma start?
While most melanomas develop in the skin, mucosal melanoma is always internal. It begins in the mucus membranes that line various parts of the body. This includes the head and neck region, the anus, the vagina and vulva, and the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms vary based on the location of the melanoma.
