Which tests help diagnose benign oral mucosal lesions?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have had a reddish patch on my soft palate since Monday. I went to a VELscope procedure, and they said everything was fine. I also consulted an ENT (Otolaryngologist), and the doctor said there is nothing wrong with my throat, and the patch does not seem weird.

I have anxiety, and I cannot sleep at night. I also suffer from GERD. Could you please tell me if it seems weird to you?
In my mind, I am afraid I have erythroplakia, but VELscope did not see anything wrong there.
Do you think I should make further investigations?
I do not know what else I can do. Does it seem like erythroplakia or something serious?

Currently, I am taking birth pills.

Kindly give your opinion.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

It does not look serious to me at all (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). It is, in fact, not even erythroplakia.

Red and white lesions of the oral cavity have either painful clinical features or cause discomfort. So it does not look like any of those lesions.

From what pictures you have uploaded, I can only visualize to the extent that it is somewhat of an oily sebaceous texture, so it might be just Fordyce spots.

A VELscope is a very advanced modality indeed to detect cancers and tumors, whether benign or malignant. It is nothing serious to worry about. Just a sebaceous collection in your mouth at a spot on the palate (called Fordyce spots).

If you want to get it personally checked in the clinic, you will visit your surgeon so that he will examine the texture and assure you again.

Make sure you take care of your oral hygiene properly and use a Chlorhexidine mouthwash or a Triclosan-containing mouthwash to prevent gum or soft tissue infections of the palate or cheek.

I also suggest warm salt water rinsing, regular scaling, and periodic dental check-ups.

I hope this was helpful.

Thank you.