Common benign and malignant oral mucosal disease.

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.