Mucosal lesions in older adults

Abstract

Background and overview: Many oral diseases/conditions associated with aging are complex and can have a significant effect on the quality of life for ambulatory older adults. Among these are oral cancers and premalignant lesions, vesiculoerosive diseases, candidiasis, aphthous ulcers and herpes virus reactivation. The practitioner should establish the diagnosis so that appropriate management can be instituted.

Conclusions: The challenge to the practitioner is to formulate a differential diagnosis from oral mucosal signs and symptoms, arrange tests and referrals as needed, and establish a definitive diagnosis so that appropriate management can be instituted.

Clinical implications: Recognition of benign and malignant mucosal lesions will accelerate proper treatment that will help control a variety of oral diseases and conditions. It also will improve the quality of life for many elderly patients who experience associated pain and altered oral functions.