1-55. ASPIRIN BURN
Aspirin burn is a chemical burn caused by holding aspirin tablets against the
mucous membranes to relieve toothache. The treatment is usually palliative
(medications are used to relieve discomfort, but not to cure the lesions) and the
prevention of secondary infection is considered.
1-56. NICOTINIC STOMATITIS
Nicotinic stomatitis (figure 1-16) is caused by smoking, especially pipe-smoking.
The irritation from heat and combustion products stimulates increased production of
new epithelial cells resulting in hyperkeratosis (thickening of the layer of keratin on the
epithelium) of the mucosal surface of the palate. The ductal openings of the minor
salivary glands become inflamed, forming tiny spots, points, or depressions (a punctate
appearance). Treatment requires elimination of the smoking habit.
NOTE:
In this example, notice the spots. With elimination of the smoking habit, a
return to normal might be expected. There is no documented malignant
cellular change associated with this condition. However, there is likely to be
some abnormality in tissue texture over a prolonged time.
Figure 1-16. Nicotinic stomatitis.
1-57. SNUFF DIPPER'S POUCH
Another oral lesion commonly seen in users of chewing tobacco or dip is called
the snuff dipper's pouch. When the tobacco is kept in touch with oral mucosa over
prolonged time, hyperkeratosis (thickening) occurs. Most tobacco dippers keep their
chew in the mandibular labial vestibule, but the lesion can appear wherever the tobacco
is kept. The lesion can be white-gray in color and develops deep folds of excess tissue.
Treatment requires the elimination of the dipping habit. If the habit is not eliminated, the
lesion can progress to cancer. A biopsy may be indicated to rule out cancer.
MD0511
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