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Head and Neck Pathology
Published in: Head and Neck Pathology 1/2019

01-03-2019 | Special Issue: Colors and Textures, a Review of Oral Mucosal Entities

Black and Brown: Non-neoplastic Pigmentation of the Oral Mucosa

Authors: Molly S. Rosebush, Ashleigh N. Briody, Kitrina G. Cordell

Published in: Head and Neck Pathology | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Black and brown pigmentation of the oral mucosa can occur due to a multitude of non-neoplastic causes. Endogenous or exogenous pigments may be responsible for oral discoloration which can range from innocuous to life-threatening in nature. Physiologic, reactive, and idiopathic melanin production seen in smoker’s melanosis, drug-related discolorations, melanotic macule, melanoacanthoma and systemic diseases are presented. Exogenous sources of pigmentation such as amalgam tattoo and black hairy tongue are also discussed. Determining the significance of mucosal pigmented lesions may represent a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Biopsy is indicated whenever the source of pigmentation cannot be definitively identified based on the clinical presentation.
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Metadata
Title
Black and Brown: Non-neoplastic Pigmentation of the Oral Mucosa
Authors
Molly S. Rosebush
Ashleigh N. Briody
Kitrina G. Cordell
Publication date
01-03-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Head and Neck Pathology / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1936-0568
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-018-0980-9

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