Premalignant Lesions and Conditions of the Oral Cavity: A Comprehensive Guide

Premalignant Lesions and Conditions of the Oral Cavity: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1. Define premalignancy. Enumerate the premalignant lesions and conditions. Describe in detail lichen planus.

Answer. Premalignancy is an altered state of tissue that often has, but not always has, high potential to undergo malignant transformation.

“Understanding premalignant conditions of the oral cavity: Q&A explained”

Enumeration Of Premalignant Lesions

Premalignant lesion is defined as “A morphologically altered tissue in which cancer is more likely to occur than its normal counterparts”. For example:

• Leukoplakia
• Erythroplakia
• Mucosal changes associated with smoking habits
• Carcinoma in situ
• Bowen disease
• Actinic keratosis, Actinic cheilitis, and Actinic elastosis.

“Importance of early detection for premalignant oral lesions: Questions explained”

Enumeration Of Premalignant Conditions

Premalignant condition is defined as “A generalized state or condition associated with significantly increased risk for cancer
development”. For example:

• Syphilis
• OSMF
• Oral lichen planus
• Sideropenic dysplasia
• Dyskeratosis congenita
• Lupus erythematosus.

“Common challenges in diagnosing premalignant oral conditions effectively: FAQs provided”

Question 2. Write a short note on the oral manifestations of hereditary ectodermal dysplasia.

Answer. Ectodermal dysplasia is a hereditary disorder characterized by defective formation of ectodermal structures, i.e., teeth, nails, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles.

Oral Manifestations of Ectodermal Dysplasia

“Steps to explain causes of premalignant oral lesions: Tobacco vs chronic irritation: Q&A guide”

• Anodontia and oligodontia
• Frequent malformation of any teeth in both deciduous and permanent teeth. Incisors appear to be conical, tapered, or pointed, while molars look narrow.
• Salivary glands, including intraoral accessory glands, are sometimes hypoplastic in this disease, which leads to xerostomia.
• The patient has pharyngitis with dysphagia, and there is hoarseness of voice.
• The alveolar process does not develop in the absence of teeth; there is a reduction from the normal vertical dimension, resulting in protuberant lips
• The palatal arch is high, and at times patient exhibits cleft palate.