Oral pigmentation
Oral Pigmentation
Oral pigmentation (pronunciation: /ˈɔːrəl ˌpɪɡmənˈteɪʃən/) refers to the coloration or discoloration of the tissues in the oral cavity.
Etymology
The term "oral pigmentation" is derived from the Latin word "os, oris" meaning mouth, and the Latin word "pigmentum" meaning pigment.
Definition
Oral pigmentation is characterized by the presence of darker patches or spots in the mouth, gums, tongue, or inside the cheeks. It is usually harmless and can occur due to various factors such as genetic traits, certain medications, tobacco use, or specific medical conditions like Addison’s disease or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
Types of Oral Pigmentation
Oral pigmentation can be classified into two main types: physiological and pathological.
- Physiological pigmentation: This is a normal variation and is often seen in individuals with darker skin tones. It is usually symmetrical and evenly distributed in the oral cavity.
- Pathological pigmentation: This type of pigmentation is caused by certain diseases or conditions such as melanoma, smoker's melanosis, or oral lichen planus.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of oral pigmentation is usually made through a clinical examination. In some cases, a biopsy may be required to rule out serious conditions like oral cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for oral pigmentation depends on the underlying cause. If the pigmentation is due to a specific medication or habit like smoking, discontinuing the medication or habit may reduce the pigmentation. In cases where the pigmentation is caused by a disease, treating the disease can help reduce the pigmentation.
Related Terms
- Melanin: The pigment responsible for the color of the skin, hair, and eyes. It is also responsible for the coloration in oral pigmentation.
- Hyperpigmentation: A condition where patches of skin become darker than the surrounding skin. This can also occur in the oral cavity.
- Melanoma: A type of skin cancer that can cause oral pigmentation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Oral pigmentation
- Wikipedia's article - Oral pigmentation
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