Oral Mucosal Conditions: Questions on Roughness and Treatment

Q: Oral Mucosal Conditions: Questions on Roughness and Treatment

Hello A1： Yes. <br>A2： Oral lichen planus is commonly characterized by red lesions resembling ulcers; it is necessary to seek medical evaluation to confirm whether it is lichen planus. <br>A3： For oral lichen planus, even in the absence of symptoms, regular monitoring of changes

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Dear Dr.
Cheng,
Thank you for your response and advice regarding my inquiry in "#207958".
I will follow your recommendations and continue to monitor my condition since I currently have no symptoms.
If I experience any symptoms or if there is an increase in size or pain, I will seek medical attention immediately.

I would like to ask you the following questions:
Q1.
In your previous response, you mentioned that "the surface of the mucosa in the maxillary folds may not always be very smooth; slight elevations or depressions are also normal." Does this mean that the slight elevations or depressions in the maxillary fold mucosa could cause a "rough" sensation when I touch that area with my tongue?
Q2.
If the rough and whitish micro-elevations in my maxilla do not belong to the maxillary folds, I have found that they could possibly be "oral lichen planus." Dr.
Cheng, if I were to touch oral lichen planus with my tongue, would it also feel "rough"?
Q3.
Following up on the previous question, Dr.
Cheng, does mild oral lichen planus require treatment if there are no symptoms? Additionally, if oral lichen planus is left untreated, will it heal on its own?
Thank you, Dr.
Cheng.

Kris, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/30

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello A1: Yes.
A2: Oral lichen planus is commonly characterized by red lesions resembling ulcers; it is necessary to seek medical evaluation to confirm whether it is lichen planus.
A3: For oral lichen planus, even in the absence of symptoms, regular monitoring of changes is recommended, as it may not necessarily resolve on its own, and symptoms can be recurrent.

Reply Date: 2024/04/30

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your oral mucosal condition. It’s commendable that you are taking an active role in understanding your health. Let’s address your questions one by one.

Q1: Roughness of the Palate Mucosa
You are correct in your understanding. The surface of the palatal mucosa can indeed have slight irregularities, including minor elevations and depressions, which can create a rough sensation when touched with the tongue. This is a normal anatomical feature and does not necessarily indicate a pathological condition. The texture can vary from person to person, and slight variations are common.

Q2: Oral Lichen Planus
Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can manifest as white patches, often with a lace-like appearance, and may feel rough to the touch. If you are experiencing roughness and a whitish appearance in the mucosa, it could indeed be indicative of OLP. When you touch it with your tongue, it may feel rough or textured. However, the diagnosis of OLP should be made by a healthcare professional through clinical examination and possibly a biopsy, especially if there are any concerns about the nature of the lesions.

Q3: Treatment of Mild Oral Lichen Planus
In cases of mild oral lichen planus that are asymptomatic, treatment is often not necessary. Many individuals with OLP live without significant discomfort and do not require intervention. However, if symptoms such as pain, burning, or ulceration occur, treatment options may include topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and discomfort. It is important to monitor the condition, as OLP can sometimes be associated with other systemic conditions. If left untreated, OLP does not typically resolve on its own, but it can remain stable for long periods without causing significant issues.

In summary, the rough texture you are experiencing could be a normal anatomical variation or related to a condition like oral lichen planus. If you notice any changes, such as increased roughness, pain, or other symptoms, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation. Regular follow-ups can help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

Please continue to observe your condition, and do not hesitate to seek medical advice if you have any concerns. Your proactive approach to your health is essential, and I wish you the best in your journey toward understanding and managing your oral health.

Best regards,
Doctor Q&A Teams

[Your Institution/Practice]

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