Clinical management of common oral lesions

Soft tissue lesions are among the most commonly occurring pathologic conditions in the oral cavity. The causes of these lesions can vary from immunologic and viral reactions to underlying systemic disease, dermatologic lesions, or neoplasms. The diagnosis of these conditions is usually based on the history, clinical appearance, and results of diagnostic procedures such as smears, culture, or examination of biopsy specimens when indicated. This paper will discuss the diagnosis and management of some of the most commonly occurring oral lesions, such as recurrent aphthous ulcers, herpetic ulcers, and candidiasis.