Pigmented Lesions of the Oral Mucosa

Abstract

Pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa are encountered on a routine basis in clinical practice. Oral health-care providers must assess several parameters associated with pigmented lesions, such as location, shape, color, and size. Etiology of pigmented lesions may be attributed to a local phenomenon and/or associated with an underlying systemic disorder. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities must be carefully considered as these lesions encompass the spectrum of clinical pathology, ranging from benign to malignant. Clinicians should conduct a thorough medical history and relevant physical examination for patients with pigmented lesions to identify possible adrenal, gastrointestinal, or genetic disorders that are commonly associated with these types of lesions. If a systemic disorder is suspected, the patient should be promptly referred to the appropriate health-care provider for further evaluation and management. Multidisciplinary care is often necessary to effectively manage patients with these conditions. This chapter provides a contemporary perspective of pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa and is intended to serve as a practical clinical resource for oral health-care providers.