Oral Pathologies
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Oral Ulcers
Lichen Planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease of unknown cause. It presents in various forms, the commonest being the white lesions in the oral mucosa. these lesions can be whitish lacy in pattern, and speckled with reddish areas. Symptoms associated with Lichen Planus usualy includes intolerance to spicy food and alcohol.
Cysts of the jaws can originate from many causes. Infected teeth, unerupted teeth, tumours and even no reason. In most cases, patients do not know that they have cysts in the jaw until an Xray is taken. This is because most cysts do not present with any symptoms at all.
Oral ulcers are the most common occurrences in the mouth. Everyone has experienced oral ulcers at some point in their lives. It usually presents as painful lesions in the mucosa and may hurt during eating and drinking.
Causes:
Very often the causes are unknown for most cases. It is very important to determine the types of ulcers in the mouth before deciding on the need for treatment. AS A GENERAL RULE - IF AN ULCER DOES NOT HEAL AFTER TWO WEEKS - IT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. A clinical examination will usually be enough to make a diagnosis. However, in some cases, a biopsy may be needed.
MINOR APHTHOUS ULCERS:
The most common ulcer to be found in the mouth are MINOR APHTHOUS ULCERS. These are usually multiple and small (less than 5mm in diameter). These usually do not last for more than two weeks at any one location.
Minor Aphthous Ulcer
MAJOR APHTHOUS ULCERS:
A different form of ulcer, less commonly seen in Singapore is the Major Apthous ulcer. These are more painful and larger usually around 10 - 20mm in diameter. These may appear singly or in multiples. These ulcers do not heal easily and when they do, they tend to leave scars behind.
Major Aphthous Ulcer
HERPETIFORM ULCERS
A lesser know form of ulcers is a form where clusters of ulcers form together. These are very small and may join together to form a large ulcer after a few days. This may joining up of the ulcer may be misleading to clinicians.
Herpetiform Ulcers
TREATMENT
In most cases, Ulcers do not need treatment. Symptomatic relief come in the forms of steroid based oral pastes and numbing agents. These ulcers will usually resolve over a period of time.
Mucocele
Mucoceles are little cysts which appears mostly on the lower lip. These may present as painless, slightly raised translucent cysts. The cause is usually trauma to the lip either by accidental biting or injury. Mucoceles will usually vary in size from time to time, but they do not resolve on their own.
The lesion has to be surgically removed via a minor procedure. The procedure is a usually simply carried out under local anaesthesia.
Lichen Planus
Lichen Planus is a chronic mucocutaneous disease of unknown cause. It presents in various forms, the commonest being the white lesions in the oral mucosa. these lesions can be whitish lacy in pattern, and speckled with reddish areas. Symptoms associated with Lichen Planus usualy includes intolerance to spicy food and alcohol.
If there is a suspicion of Lichen Planus, there is usually a need to perform a simple biopsy to sample some of the soft tissues for histological confirmation of the condition.
Treatment is usually medication with local or systemic corticosteriods depending on the severity of the condition.
If you suspect that you have Lichen Planus, make an appointment to see an Oral Surgeon or an Oral medicine Specialist.
Cyst of the Jaws
Cysts of the jaws can originate from many causes. Infected teeth, unerupted teeth, tumours and even no reason. In most cases, patients do not know that they have cysts in the jaw until an Xray is taken. This is because most cysts do not present with any symptoms at all.
As there are many causes of cysts, it is not possible to cover it in this space. If you suspect that you may have a dental or jaw cyst, please visit your dentist of an Xray. he will be able to confirm the radiological diagnosis and refer you to the relevant dental specialists to treat the cysts.