Condition Lookup
Category:
Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Number of Conditions: 17
Fibroma
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Other Oral Lesions
Symptoms:
firm, smooth, painless growths in soft tissues; may cause discomfort or functional issues depending on location; typically slow-growing and benign
Root Cause:
Benign proliferation of fibrous connective tissue, often due to chronic irritation or trauma.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination; confirmed with biopsy or histopathological analysis.
Treatment:
Surgical excision is the standard treatment; recurrence is rare.
Medications:
Not typically treated with medications, as fibromas are surgically removed.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively common; exact prevalence varies based on cause and location.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic irritation, trauma, poorly fitting dental appliances (oral fibromas), genetic predisposition (e.g., neurofibromatosis).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with removal; unlikely to recur if the underlying cause is addressed.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare; can interfere with function or aesthetics if untreated.
Aphthous ulcers, commonly known as canker sores, are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues inside the mouth or at the base of the gums.
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Mucosal Lesions
Symptoms:
painful round or oval sores with a white or yellow center and a red border; burning or tingling sensation before the sore appears; difficulty eating or speaking; occasionally accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes in severe cases
Root Cause:
Likely multifactorial; involves immune system dysregulation, local trauma, stress, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12, iron, or folate).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical examination; no specific diagnostic tests are usually required unless systemic diseases are suspected.
Treatment:
Focuses on symptom relief and promoting healing; includes topical treatments and addressing underlying triggers.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone acetonide ), antimicrobial mouth rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine gluconate), anesthetics (e.g., benzocaine or lidocaine ), and systemic corticosteroids in severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 20% of the population; more common in adolescents and young adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, stress, hormonal fluctuations, immune disorders, and dietary deficiencies.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Self-limiting; most ulcers heal within 1–2 weeks without scarring.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe or recurrent ulcers may impair nutrition and quality of life; rarely, they may indicate systemic diseases such as Behçet’s disease or inflammatory bowel disease.
Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Mucosal Lesions
Symptoms:
white, lacy patches (reticular form); red, swollen tissues (erosive form); pain, burning, or sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods; open sores or ulcers in the mouth
Root Cause:
An autoimmune disorder where T cells attack the epithelial cells of the oral mucosa.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, biopsy of affected tissue, and sometimes immunofluorescence testing.
Treatment:
Symptom management and inflammation reduction with topical or systemic medications.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol or fluocinonide ), systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone for severe cases), and immunosuppressive agents (e.g., tacrolimus ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1–2% of the population, more common in middle-aged and older adults, and women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune disorders, stress, dental fillings (rarely linked), and genetic predisposition.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and relapsing but manageable; low risk of malignant transformation (erosive forms may have a slightly higher risk).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Painful erosions, secondary infections (e.g., candidiasis), difficulty eating, and rare progression to oral cancer.
Oral leukoplakia is a white patch or plaque that develops on the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Mucosal Lesions
Symptoms:
white, thickened, and irregularly shaped patches in the mouth; patches cannot be scraped off; may be painless or cause mild discomfort; occasionally associated with burning sensation
Root Cause:
Chronic irritation, tobacco or alcohol use, or exposure to irritants; considered a potentially malignant disorder.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, exclusion of other causes (e.g., fungal infection), and biopsy to assess for dysplasia or cancer.
Treatment:
Elimination of irritants, regular monitoring, and surgical excision if dysplasia is present.
Medications:
No specific medication; in some cases, retinoids or beta-carotene supplements are used to manage lesions.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1–2% of the global population; more common in older adults and smokers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tobacco use (both smoking and chewing), alcohol consumption, and chronic irritation.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with early intervention; however, some lesions may progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malignant transformation (occurs in 5–17% of cases over time).
Erythroplakia is a red patch on the mucous membranes of the mouth with a high risk of malignant transformation.
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Mucosal Lesions
Symptoms:
velvety red lesions that cannot be scraped off; may be asymptomatic or cause mild discomfort; occasionally associated with burning or irritation
Root Cause:
Chronic irritation or exposure to carcinogens, leading to dysplastic changes in epithelial cells.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, exclusion of other conditions, and biopsy to confirm dysplasia or carcinoma.
Treatment:
Surgical excision or laser ablation, along with eliminating risk factors.
Medications:
No direct medications; supportive care may include topical agents to relieve irritation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.1–0.2%; more common in smokers and older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tobacco and alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, and nutritional deficiencies.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor if untreated due to high risk of malignant transformation (51–90%).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to squamous cell carcinoma.
Geographic tongue is a benign inflammatory condition characterized by irregular, map-like patches on the tongue.
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Mucosal Lesions
Symptoms:
smooth, red patches with raised white borders; patches may change size, shape, or location; occasionally associated with burning or sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods
Root Cause:
Unknown; thought to involve genetic predisposition or immune-mediated processes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on characteristic appearance during clinical examination; no biopsy is usually necessary.
Treatment:
No specific treatment required; symptomatic relief if discomfort occurs.
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone ) or antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine ) for symptomatic cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1–3% of the population; more common in women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, psoriasis, and stress.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Completely benign with no risk of malignant transformation.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare; persistent discomfort in some cases.
Oral hyperkeratosis is an excessive thickening of the oral epithelium due to chronic irritation.
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Mucosal Lesions
Symptoms:
thickened, white plaques or patches in the mouth; typically painless; associated with rough textures in affected areas
Root Cause:
Hyperkeratosis is a response to repeated trauma, irritation, or friction (e.g., from dental appliances or smoking).
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination and biopsy to rule out dysplasia or malignancy.
Treatment:
Removal of the underlying irritant, improved oral hygiene, and monitoring for changes.
Medications:
None directly, though topical corticosteroids may be used if inflammation is present.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Not well-studied; common in populations exposed to chronic irritants like tobacco.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic irritation, poorly fitting dental appliances, and smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with removal of irritants; rarely progresses to malignancy.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent lesions may require surgical excision if changes occur.
Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Viral Infections
Symptoms:
painful, fluid-filled blisters around the lips or mouth; tingling or itching at the site before blister formation; crusting of sores as they heal; occasional fever and swollen lymph nodes in severe cases
Root Cause:
Caused by reactivation of the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), which remains dormant in the trigeminal nerve.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by appearance of vesicular lesions.
Treatment:
Treated with antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir.
Medications:
Oral antivirals such as acyclovir , valacyclovir , or famciclovir (classified as antiviral agents). Topical antiviral creams like penciclovir can also be used.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 60-90% of the global population; recurrent episodes occur in 20-40% of those infected.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, sun exposure, illness, immunosuppression, trauma to the lips, or hormonal changes.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally self-limiting; symptoms resolve in 1-2 weeks. Antiviral treatments can reduce the duration and severity of episodes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary bacterial infection, erythema multiforme, or more severe outbreaks in immunocompromised individuals.
Herpetic Gingivostomatitis
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Viral Infections
Symptoms:
painful ulcers and blisters on the gums and inside the mouth; fever; swollen, bleeding gums; difficulty eating and drinking; malaise
Root Cause:
Primary HSV-1 infection of the oral mucosa, often occurring in children.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by oral lesions and systemic symptoms.
Treatment:
Treated with antivirals (e.g., acyclovir) and supportive care such as hydration and pain relief.
Medications:
Oral acyclovir or valacyclovir (antiviral agents); acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain and fever management.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common in children under 6 years old; HSV-1 is highly prevalent globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Young age, exposure to someone with active HSV-1 infection.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolves in 7-14 days without long-term effects; antivirals reduce symptom severity and duration.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration from reduced oral intake, secondary bacterial infections, or more severe HSV infection in immunocompromised individuals.
HPV-Related Oral Lesions
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Viral Infections
Symptoms:
painless growths or warts in the oral cavity; white or red patches; hoarseness or throat discomfort if lesions are in the pharynx
Root Cause:
Infection with HPV types (e.g., HPV-16, HPV-18) causing benign or precancerous lesions in the oral cavity.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through visual examination, biopsy, and HPV testing.
Treatment:
Treated with surgical excision, laser therapy, or topical agents like podophyllin for warts.
Medications:
No specific medications for established oral HPV lesions; treatment is procedural.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
HPV is widespread, affecting approximately 80% of sexually active individuals at some point; oral lesions are less common.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sexual activity, smoking, immunosuppression, and poor oral hygiene.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Benign lesions are treatable; high-risk HPV types may progress to oropharyngeal cancer if untreated.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malignant transformation, particularly with high-risk HPV strains.
Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Fungal Infections
Symptoms:
creamy white patches on the tongue, cheeks, or throat; pain or discomfort in the mouth; loss of taste; difficulty swallowing
Root Cause:
Overgrowth of Candida species, usually Candida albicans, in the oral cavity due to an imbalance in normal flora or weakened immunity.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by clinical examination or scraping for fungal culture.
Treatment:
Treated with antifungals such as nystatin or fluconazole.
Medications:
Topical antifungals like nystatin or clotrimazole lozenges; systemic antifungals (fluconazole or itraconazole ) for severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diabetes, use of inhaled corticosteroids, antibiotics, dentures, immunosuppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Responds well to treatment; recurrence is possible if underlying issues are not addressed.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Esophageal candidiasis, systemic spread in immunocompromised patients.
Angular Cheilitis
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Fungal Infections
Symptoms:
red, cracked, or crusted lesions at the corners of the mouth; pain or burning sensation; possible secondary bacterial infection
Root Cause:
Fungal (Candida) or bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus) infection, often due to saliva pooling or irritation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by cracks and inflammation at the mouth corners.
Treatment:
Treated with topical antifungals, antibiotics, or barrier creams, depending on the cause.
Medications:
Antifungal creams like clotrimazole or miconazole ; topical antibiotics like mupirocin if bacterial involvement is present.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in those with ill-fitting dentures, poor nutrition, or dry mouth.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Dentures, vitamin B or iron deficiency, immunosuppression, frequent lip-licking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Resolves with treatment and elimination of contributing factors.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent infection, scarring, or spread to surrounding tissues.
Ludwig’s Angina
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Bacterial Infections
Symptoms:
severe swelling in the floor of the mouth and neck; difficulty swallowing or speaking; fever; drooling; airway obstruction
Root Cause:
Rapidly spreading cellulitis of the submandibular and sublingual spaces, often originating from a dental infection.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical examination and imaging (CT or MRI).
Treatment:
Treated urgently with intravenous antibiotics and possible surgical drainage to secure the airway.
Medications:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ampicillin-sulbactam or clindamycin ; metronidazole for anaerobic coverage.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but potentially life-threatening.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor dental hygiene, recent dental infection or procedure, immunosuppression.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with prompt treatment; delayed intervention can lead to mortality.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Airway obstruction, sepsis, mediastinitis.
Necrotizing Ulcerative Diseases (e.g., Noma/Cancrum Oris)
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Bacterial Infections
Symptoms:
severe facial ulceration; foul-smelling breath; pain; progressive tissue destruction
Root Cause:
Polymicrobial infection in malnourished or immunocompromised individuals, often associated with poor hygiene.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by tissue necrosis and poor oral hygiene
Treatment:
Treated with aggressive antibiotics, debridement, nutritional support, and management of underlying conditions.
Medications:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics like penicillin combined with metronidazole or clindamycin .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; most common in impoverished regions with malnutrition.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Malnutrition, poor oral hygiene, immunosuppression, measles, or recent illness.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality without treatment; survivors often require reconstructive surgery.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Facial disfigurement, sepsis, death.
Fordyce Spots
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Other Oral Lesions
Symptoms:
small, raised, pale or white-yellowish spots on the lips, inside the cheeks, or on the genitals; usually asymptomatic; occasionally cause aesthetic concerns or mild irritation
Root Cause:
Enlarged sebaceous glands that occur outside hair follicles and are not associated with hair production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical observation based on appearance and location; no further tests are typically needed.
Treatment:
Usually not treated unless for cosmetic reasons; options include laser treatments, electrosurgery, or topical retinoids.
Medications:
Topical retinoids (e.g., tretinoin ) may help reduce the visibility of Fordyce spots. These are classified as vitamin A derivatives.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very common; affects up to 80% of adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Normal anatomical variation, more noticeable in individuals with lighter skin tones.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Benign and harmless; does not typically require treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rarely, irritation or cosmetic dissatisfaction.
Mucocele
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Other Oral Lesions
Symptoms:
soft, bluish, or translucent swelling inside the mouth (usually the lower lip); may fluctuate in size or rupture; painless but can cause discomfort
Root Cause:
Blockage or rupture of a salivary gland duct, leading to mucus retention.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; confirmed by histological analysis after excision.
Treatment:
Surgical removal of the affected gland or marsupialization (drainage procedure).
Medications:
Not typically treated with medications.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in young adults and children.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma to the lips or oral cavity, habits like lip-biting or cheek-chewing.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent; recurrence is uncommon after complete removal.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare; recurrence or minor infections post-surgery.
Ranula
Specialty: Dental and Oral Health
Category: Oral Cavity and Mucosal Disorders
Sub-category: Other Oral Lesions
Symptoms:
painless, dome-shaped swelling on the floor of the mouth; bluish or translucent appearance; can interfere with speech, swallowing, or chewing if large
Root Cause:
Mucous retention or extravasation cyst arising from the sublingual gland.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, imaging (e.g., ultrasound or MRI) to assess size and involvement.
Treatment:
Surgical removal of the cyst and sometimes the associated gland.
Medications:
Not typically treated with medications.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively uncommon; more frequent in children and young adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma to the floor of the mouth, salivary gland obstruction.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with complete removal; recurrence is rare if excision is thorough.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare; infection or recurrence if not fully excised.