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Pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa and perioral tissues: a flow-chart for the diagnosis and some recommendations for the management.

Meleti M, Vescovi P, Mooi WJ, van der Waal I

Unit of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Section of Odontostomatology, Department of ENT, Dental, Ophthalmological, and Cervicofacial Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.

The term "pigmentation of the oral mucosa" is applied to a wide range of lesions or conditions featuring a change of color of oral tissues. Lesions not associated with an accumulation of pigment (e.g., Fordyce spots) are usually not classified as pigmented lesions. Two groups of pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa are recognized: 1) melanin-associated lesions, including racial pigmentations, melanotic macules, melanocytic nevi, and malignant melanoma; and 2) nonmelanin-associated lesions (e.g., blood-related pigmentations, metallic pigmentations). This paper presents a clinicopathologic review of the recent literature with emphasis on the main diagnostic features, including the use of immunohistochemical markers. A flow-chart is added that may help the clinician in the diagnosis and management of these lesions.

Published 29 April 2008 in Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod, 105(5): 606-16.
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