Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Objectification of Tongue Diagnosis in Traditional Medicine, Data Analysis, and Study Application
Published on: April 14, 2023
Perceptions of tongue lesions by dental hygiene students and otolaryngologists
Lincoln Gray1, H Keith Herrin, Charles Stiernberg
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Texas Houston Medical School, 77030, USA. lgray@uth.tmc.edu
Background:
Consistent perceptions of oral lesions by all professionals who examine the mouth would improve the poor survival rates from oral cancer through earlier diagnosis.
Methods:
Two techniques from perceptual psychology measured how 14 otolaryngologists and 85 dental hygiene students judged differences among seven tongue lesions. Multidimensional scaling produced a perceptual "map" showing the underlying dimensions in these judgments. Paired comparisons showed rankings of concern.
Results:
Otolaryngologists rated the lesions on the basis of size and depth; dental hygiene students on the basis of color and size. Otolaryngologists were more consistent than students, both within and between observers. The ranking of lesions from best to worst was different in the two groups.
Conclusion:
Two groups of health-care professionals attended to different dimensions in making decisions about oral lesions. Variations of these tests could evaluate or instruct students in diagnostic skills relevant to oral cancer.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:27The Oral Microbiota
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...