Oral melanosis

Oral melanosis is a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of melanin in the oral cavity. It is a benign condition, often associated with certain systemic diseases or drug intake.

Causes

Oral melanosis can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Smoking: Chronic smokers often develop oral melanosis due to the constant exposure to tobacco.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antimalarials and chemotherapeutic agents, can cause oral melanosis.
• Systemic diseases: Conditions like Addison's disease and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome can lead to oral melanosis.
• Genetic factors: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop oral melanosis.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of oral melanosis is the presence of brown or black patches in the oral cavity. These patches can appear on the gums, inner cheeks, palate, or tongue. The coloration is due to the accumulation of melanin, a pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of oral melanosis is primarily based on clinical examination. A biopsy may be performed to rule out other conditions such as oral cancer.

Treatment

Treatment for oral melanosis is usually not necessary as it is a benign condition. However, if the discoloration is causing cosmetic concerns, treatments such as laser therapy or cryotherapy can be used to lighten the patches.

See also

• Melanin
• Melanosis
• Oral cancer
• Addison's disease
• Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

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