Oral surgery II: Part 4. Common oral lesions.

Lesions of the mouth are surprisingly common and vary from the totally innocuous to highly malignant neoplasms. As required for the management of all patients, a clear and concise history and a thorough clinical examination are essential. In addition, radiographs and other laboratory investigations may be required to formulate a differential diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis, on which treatment planning should always be based, can usually only be confirmed following a histological examination. This may be obtained through a biopsy or following total excision of a lesion.