Diaspora of oral maxillofacial pathology and dermatopathology-A review

The oral cavity is an important diagnostic window because it frequently reflects dermatological, infectious, autoimmune, genetic and systemic disorders. Oral lesions may precede cutaneous or systemic manifestations in several conditions, including lichen planus, pemphigus vulgaris, viral infections, connective tissue disorders, vasculitic syndromes and immunodeficiency-associated diseases. The clinical appearance of oral lesions is often modified by salivation, mastication, microbial colonization, trauma and the thin nature of non-keratinized mucosa. Therefore, lesions that appear as vesicles or bullae on skin may present intraorally as erosions, ulcers, pseudomembranes, or erythematous areas. Recognition of these oral "sentinel" lesions is clinically important because early diagnosis can improve patient outcomes, guide systemic evaluation and facilitate timely referral. Thus, we review the clinicopathological basis of oral-cutaneous correlation and summarize important infectious, autoimmune, vesiculobullous, vasculitic, genetic, emergency, granulomatous and histiocytic disorders with oral manifestations. Hence, a multidisciplinary approach involving dentists, dermatologists, physicians and pathologists is essential for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management.