An overview of pigmented lesions of the oral cavity

Abstract

It might be difficult to diagnose pigmented lesions of the mouth and perioral regions. Although several lesions may be correctly identified on the basis of clinical findings alone and while epidemiology may be helpful in guiding the clinician, the histological examination is typically necessary for the final diagnosis. Oral hyperpigmentation may present exogenously/ endogenously; pathologically/physiologically. The differential diagnosis depends on factors like medication usage, familial history in addition to the position, spread, and length as well as hue and pattern variations. Physiological pigmentation, melanotic macule, melanocytic nevus, smoker's melanosis, oral melanoacanthoma, pigmentation caused by foreign matter or medicines, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Addison's disease, and oral melanoma are examples of dark or black pigmented discolorations that can be unifocal, multifocal, or dispersed macular lesions.