Non-neoplastic lesions of the oral cavity

Abstract

The oral cavity is covered by stratified squamous epithelium, and most mucosal biopsies are performed to determine the presence or absence of oral squamous cell carcinoma and its precursor lesion, oral epithelial dysplasia.　Accurately diagnosing such neoplastic lesions requires careful distinction from non-neoplastic lesions that are unique to the oral mucosa and may arise secondary to trauma or inflammation.　In the 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Head and Neck Tumours, newly included descriptions address non-neoplastic lesions of the oral cavity and mobile tongue.　Among these, necrotizing sialometaplasia and multifocal epithelial hyperplasia are highlighted and presented in this review.