KERATOTIC LESIONS OF ORAL CAVITY

Lesions generally appear white intra orally for one of the several reasons like a thickened surface layer of keratin, an acanthotic epithelium or edematous epithelial cells. Exudates and adherent surface debris may also appear white. Identification of these lesions and making a definitive diagnosis using microscopic examination is extremely important, because some of these lesions may represent squamous cell carcinoma. This review lists the white lesions affecting the oral mucosa ranging from those that are genetically determined to those that are neoplastic and also highlights the specific features of each of these lesions.