Smoker's melanosis
Smoker's Melanosis
Smoker's melanosis (pronunciation: /ˈsmoʊkərz mɛləˈnoʊsɪs/) is a condition characterized by the development of pigmented lesions in the oral mucosa due to chronic tobacco use.
Etymology
The term "Smoker's melanosis" is derived from the words "smoker", referring to a person who smokes tobacco, and "melanosis", a medical term originating from the Greek word "melas", meaning black, used to describe a condition characterized by abnormal deposition or production of melanin pigment in the tissues.
Definition
Smoker's melanosis is a benign oral condition that is commonly observed in individuals who smoke tobacco. It is characterized by the presence of dark pigmented spots or patches on the oral mucosa, particularly in the anterior labial gingiva of the maxilla and mandible. The condition is more prevalent in female smokers than in male smokers.
Causes
The primary cause of Smoker's melanosis is the chronic use of tobacco products. The tobacco smoke stimulates the melanocytes in the oral mucosa to produce excess melanin, leading to the development of pigmented lesions.
Symptoms
The main symptom of Smoker's melanosis is the presence of dark pigmented spots or patches on the oral mucosa. These lesions are usually asymptomatic and do not cause any discomfort or pain to the individual.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of Smoker's melanosis is primarily based on the clinical examination of the oral cavity and the patient's history of tobacco use.
Treatment
The treatment for Smoker's melanosis primarily involves cessation of tobacco use. In most cases, the pigmented lesions gradually disappear after the individual stops smoking.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Smoker's melanosis
- Wikipedia's article - Smoker's melanosis
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