Oral pigmentation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Oral pigmentation is asymptomatic and does not usually cause any alteration to the texture or thickness of the affected area. The colour can be uniform or speckled and can appear solitary or as multiple lesions.[1] Depending on the site, depth, and quantity of pigment, the appearance can vary considerably.[2]
Oral pigmentation is found in the following places:
- Lower vermillion border (the exposed pink or reddish margin of a lip[3])
- Tongue
- Oral mucosa
- Gingivae
- Palate[2]
Oral pigmentation affects about 3% of the population[4] and is most likely seen in those with dark skin;[5] however people with light skin have, on average, 30 local pigmented areas and in some circumstances will present intra-orally. They are more often found in females than males[6] and the typical age at presentation is 40 years although they can appear at any age.[3]