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Updated: Dec 10, 2025

Author Spotlight: Unlocking the Mysteries of Oral Potential Malignancies
Published on: August 11, 2023
Common benign and malignant oral mucosal disease
Timothy Wong1, Tami Yap2, David Wiesenfeld3
1MBBS (Hons), BDSc (Hons), FRACDS (OMS), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Vic.
Background:
Mucosal diseases of the oral cavity are relatively common, and patients often seek initial assessment from their general practitioner.
Objective:
The aim of this article is to provide an overview of common oral mucosal diseases to help with formulating a differential diagnosis and stratifying the urgency of referral.
Discussion:
Pathological mucosal conditions of the oral cavity and jaws commonly present as a mucosal ulcer or a white, red or pigmented lesion. In this review, the authors outline the most common conditions organised according to their clinical presentation and describe their typical appearance and management.
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