Variants of Normal

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to variants of normal tissue and conditions observed in oral pathology, including benign lesions, soft tissue lesions, and inflammatory processes.

Fordyce Granules

Clusters of ectopic sebaceous glands, asymptomatic, requiring no treatment.

Torus Palatinus

Exophytic growth of normal compact bone, often asymptomatic, can be lobulated.

Mandibular Tori

Outgrowths of normal dense bone located on the lingual aspect of the mandible, which is usually bilateral.

Melanin Pigmentation

Localized flat areas of oral mucosa seen in dark-skinned individuals, ranging in color from brown to brownish black.

Lingual Varicosities

Prominent lingual veins seen as red-to-purple enlarged vessels on the tongue, related to aging.

Linea Alba

A prominent white line on the buccal mucosa along the occlusal plane, often seen in patients with a clenching habit.

Leukoedema

A benign anomaly of the buccal mucosa appearing gray-white, more pronounced in smokers.

Lingual Thyroid Nodule

A mass of thyroid tissue trapped in the tongue, more prevalent in females and associated with hormonal changes.

Median Rhomboid Glossitis

A flat or raised area in the midline of the tongue, associated with chronic fungal infection.

Fissured Tongue

Characterized by deep fissures or grooves, most prevalent in adults.

Hairy Tongue

An accumulation of keratin on filiform papillae, leading to a hairy appearance.

Geographic Tongue

A benign condition involving irregular patches on the tongue, may cause burning sensation.

Ectopic Geographic Tongue

A term for geographic tongue found on surfaces other than the tongue.

Soft Tissue Lesion

An area of abnormal-appearing skin or oral mucosa differing from surrounding tissue.

Bulla

A circumscribed elevated lesion greater than 5mm in diameter containing serous fluid.

Papule

A small, circumscribed solid elevation less than 1cm in diameter above the surface of surrounding tissue.

Ulcer

A deep loss of epithelial layer, which may extend to connective tissue layers.

Wheal

An elevated area of superficial localized edema, typically irregularly shaped.

Nodule

A palpable solid lesion up to 1 cm in diameter found in soft tissue.

Lobule

A segment or lobe that is part of a whole, these lobes sometimes appear fused together.

Pedunculated

Lesions with a narrow stalk-like base of attachment.

Color of Lesions

Commonly used colors to describe oral lesions include red, pink, white, and gray.

Erythema

Abnormal redness of the mucosa or gingiva.

Pallor

Paleness of the skin or mucosal tissues.

Hyperplasia

Increase in the number of cells in a tissue or organ in response to stress.

Hypertrophy

Increase in size of a tissue or organ due to enlargement of its cells.

Atrophy

Decrease in size and function of a cell, tissue, or organ.

Granulomatous Inflammation

Chronic inflammation characterized by the formation of granulomas.

Pyogenic Granuloma

Proliferation of connective tissue containing numerous blood vessels and inflammatory cells, usually caused by trauma.

Denture Induced Fibrous Hyperplasia

Localized fibrous hyperplasia caused by ill-fitting dentures.

Necrotizing Sialometaplasia

Benign condition of the salivary glands, usually resolving within a few weeks.

Mucocele

Formed when a salivary gland duct is severed, resulting in a cyst-like structure.

Tobacco Pouch Keratosis

A white lesion in the area of smokeless tobacco use, which can lead to squamous cell carcinoma.

Amalgam Tattoo

Blue-gray lesion caused by the deposition of metallic particles in connective tissue.

Melanosis

Normal pigmentation of the oral mucosa common in dark-skinned individuals.

Solar Cheilitis

Degeneration of lip tissue due to sun exposure.

Residual Cyst

Persistent radiolucency at the site of tooth extraction, requiring examination.

Periapical Granuloma

Localized mass of chronically inflamed granulation tissue that forms at the apex of a nonvital tooth.

Radicular Cyst

Cyst attached to the root apex of a tooth with a necrotic pulp.