Cancers of the Oral Mucosa Differential Diagnoses

Updated: May 05, 2021
  • Author: Chelsia Q Sim, MSc, DDS; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD  more...
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DDx

Differential Diagnoses

  • Actinic Keratosis

    If patient presents with a lump on vermillion border of the lip.

  • Erythroplasia

    Brightly colored, smooth, red patch usually found on floor of the mouth, oropharynx area, and lateral border of the tongue.

  • Lichen Planus

    Bilateral or symmetric reticular changes with or without ulcers and erythema occurring anywhere in the oral cavity.

  • Lichenoid lesions

    A single white reticular and/or raylike patch with erythema and/or ulceration of unknown cause or adjacent to dental material such as amalgam.

  • Mucosal Candidiasis

  • Traumatic lesion

    Appearing adjacent to a sharp or broken tooth.