**Oral and Pharyngeal Mucosal Lesions** **Leukoplakia** * Hyperkeratosis of the epi & mucus membranes * **Aetiology:** * Benign Causes: * Chronic inflammation -> frictional keratosis * Candidiasis (thrush) * Pre-malignant/Malignant Causes: * Dysplasia * SCC * **Other Conditions:** * Lichen planus * Chronic cheek biting - morsicatio buccarum * Smoking (tobacco) * Alcohol consumption * **Lesion:** * Most commonly affects oral cavity * Persistent white plaques * Cannot be scraped off with gauze * Suspicious plaque: * Indurated or ulcerated * **Diagnosis:** * Biopsy to check for dysplasia **Pathology** * Hyperkeratosis * Parakeratosis * Acanthosis * Ep. Atrophy **DDx** * Oral hairy leukoplakia in immunocompromised pts **T/X & Management** * Smoking cessation * Cryotherapy, laser therapy * If lesions persist = surgical excision **Complications** **Oral Ulcers** **Definition:** Breakage in the mucosal surface. **Aetiology:** * **Acute:** * Biting, sharp teeth, dental appliances → Traumatic ulcers * Canker sores, Aphthous stomatitis → Infections (HSV, syphilis, TB) * **Chronic:** * Malignant ulcers, e.g., SCC * Chronic infections, e.g., deep fungal infection, TB * Systemic Diseases, e.g., Crohn's, Behçet's Syndrome **Nodules** **Definition:** Raised lesions **Aetiology:** * **Benign:** * Chronic irritation → Fibromas * Lipomas * Pleomorphic adenomas * Benign salivary tumors * **Malignant:** * SCC * Mucoepidermoid carcinomas * Lymphoma * Malignant salivary gland tumors