Oral Manifestations of Pigmented Lesions

Pigmentation is a discoloration of the oral mucosa or gingiva due to the wide variety of lesions and conditions. The pigmentation in oral cavity may be caused by the accumulation of one or more pigments which further leads to change in color of the tissues. There are several degrees of chromatic variegation observed in both physiological and pathological conditions. This coloration is caused by number of factors, one of which is pigmentation. Normal regional variations in oral pigment from greatest to least occur in gingiva, buccal mucosa, hard palate, tongue, soft palate, and floor of the mouth. The identification of pigmented tissue within the oral cavity may present a diagnostic dilemma for the clinician. Evaluation of patient presenting with a pigmented lesion should include a full medical and dental history, extra oral and intra oral examinations and in some cases biopsy and laboratory investigations.