Common Oral Lesions.

Familiarity with common oral conditions allows clinicians to observe and treat patients in the primary care setting or refer to a dentist, oral surgeon, otolaryngologist, or other specialist. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (canker sores) is the most common ulcerative condition of the oral cavity. Recurrent herpes simplex labialis and stomatitis also commonly cause oral ulcers. Corticosteroids, immunocompromise, antibiotics, and dentures can predispose patients to oral candidiasis. Benign migratory glossitis (geographic tongue) occurs in up to 3% of the population but generally lacks symptoms, although some people experience food sensitivity or a burning sensation. Hairy tongue is associated with a low fiber diet, tobacco and alcohol use, and poor oral hygiene in older male patients. Generally, hairy tongue is asymptomatic except for an unattractive appearance or halitosis. Tobacco and alcohol use can cause mucosal changes resulting in leukoplakia and erythroplakia. These can represent precancerous changes and increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma. Mandibular and maxillary tori are common bony cortical outgrowths that require no treatment in the absence of repeat trauma from chewing or interference with dentures. Oral lichen planus occurs in up to 2% of individuals and can present as lacy reticulations or oral erosions and ulcerations. Traumatic buccal mucosal fibromas and labial mucoceles from biting can be excised.

Reversible black tongue: A little known side effect of imipenem/cilastatin and evidence for novel mode of action.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Black tongue syndrome (BT) is a rare and self-limiting disorder which can result from physiological and metabolic condition and ingestion of toxic substances. Medications are the most common cause of BT. CASE SUMMARY: A 39-year-old male patient presented with BT after the initiation of imipenem/cilastatin. Within one week of cessation of these drugs, the patient's tongue returned to a normal colour. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: This is the first case of BT induced by imipenem/cilastatin. Withdrawal of the combination is likely to reverse the condition.

Dermatologic manifestations associated with electronic cigarette use.

BACKGROUND: Electronic cigarette use continues to rise, yet there are no reviews summarizing dermatologic manifestations associated with electronic cigarettes in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding cutaneous manifestations associated with electronic cigarette use and increase awareness of side effects associated with this rapidly developing public health epidemic. METHODS: The PubMed database was searched for related literature. All studies involving the effects of electronic cigarette use on the skin or mucosa were obtained and reviewed for evidence. RESULTS: Contact dermatitis, thermal injuries, and oral mucosal lesions have been reported with the use of electronic cigarettes. LIMITATIONS: The conclusions presented in individual case reports or series are not based on randomized controlled trials. CONCLUSION: Electronic cigarettes can present with harmful dermatologic manifestations.

Black Tongue Discoloration.

An 80-year-old man developed asymptomatic black discoloration of the dorsal surface of his tongue 1 week after hospitalization for surgical and antibiotic treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder. He reported no prior lingual discoloration and did not smoke cigarettes, use chewing tobacco or illicit drugs, or drink alcohol. What is the diagnosis and what would you do next?

Ranitidine-induced black tongue: A case report.

Black tongue is a rare, benign, self-limiting disorder caused by certain conditions and some medications. We report the first case of a child diagnosed with black tongue associated with ranitidine use. We report our case to emphasize the rare side effect of this frequently used drug. Health care professionals should be aware of the likelihood of ranitidine-induced black tongue in clinical practice.

Black hairy tongue after chemotherapy for malignant brain tumors.

Black hairy tongue (BHT) developed in five patients (2.6%) among 192 patients undergoing chemotherapy for malignant brain tumors. Three patients with a history of diabetes mellitus developed BHT within 10 days after the initiation of chemotherapy. The other two patients suffered more than 100 days after induction and lymphopenia of grade 3 or worse developed for more than 20 days, which was not observed in the three patients with diabetes. We found that BHT could develop after chemotherapy for malignant brain tumors. Patients with diabetes mellitus presented early after chemotherapy, while patients with longstanding severe lymphopenia presented in late phase.

Linezolid induced black hairy tongue: a rare side effect.

Linezolid induced black hairy tongue is a rare benign reversible side effect of linezolid therapy. We report a case of a 61 year old diabetic lady who developed thrombocytopenia and black hairy discoloration of the tongue after being prescribed linezolid for foot osteomyelitis by the orthopaedic surgeon. Patient was encouraged to practice good oral dental hygiene, advised to use a soft tooth brush, regular mouth wash and baking soda containing tooth paste. The condition resolved four weeks after cessation of the antibiotic therapy.