Abstract

Background: Dermoscopy can act as an alternative diagnostic method to mucosal biopsy for diagnosis of various oral mucosal lesions.
Aim: To study the dermoscopic and histopathological characteristics of oral mucosal lesions.
Methods: The present prospective study was conducted among 53 patients of oral mucosal lesions presenting to the indoor and outdoor facilities in Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy. After performing routine investigations, dermoscopic evaluation was done in all the cases and recorded in the prestructured proforma. Oral mucosal lesions were evaluated by using non-contact videodermatoscope (AM7515MZT Dino-Lite), polarised mode. It was followed by mucosal biopsy from the same site.
Results: Nonvascular findings were the predominant features on dermoscopy. Structureless grey areas was the most common finding, seen in 72.41% patients of lichen planus. In lichen planus, it is suggested that structureless grey areas on dermoscopy corresponded histologically to hyperkeratosis. Vascular findings in form of light to intense red areas was seen in all patients of pemphigus vulgaris as well as both cases of aphthous ulcer and in each case of actinic cheilitis, bullous pemphigoid, disseminated discoid lupus erythematosus.
Conclusion: Theresultsof this rare pioneer study revealed that dermoscopy of mucosa may prove to be a valuable tool for diagnosis and may obviate need for mucosal biopsy.