Nicotine stomatitis
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2006-03-05T00:39:54Z
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'''Nicotine stomatitis''' is an [[oral pathology|oral pathologic]] condition that appears in the [[hard palate]] of the [[mouth]] as a white [[lesion]]. It is not considered to be [[premalignant]] and results from [[tobacco smoking]] (especially pipes or [[cigar]]s) or long-term drinking of very hot [[beverage]]s. Nicotine stomatitis should not be confused with [[reverse smoker's palate]], which is a severe form of palatal keratosis and caused from smoking a [[cigarette]] with the lit end inside the mouth.
The cause of nicotine stomatitis is from the palate being exposed to very hot conditions. [[Pipe smoking]] produces more heat on the palate than any other form of smoking. The frequency of this condition depends on a society's use of consuming hot beverages and of smoking in its various forms. More commonly found in men over 45 years of age, it is characterized as a "fissured" or "dried mud" appearance from excess [[keratin]] production by [[cell (biology)|cells]]. The palate may appear gray or white and contain many [[papule]]s that are slightly elevated with red in their center. Furthermore, the [[teeth]] may be stained brown or black from tobacco smoke.
Microscopically, [[Epithelium|epithelial cells]] of the palate exhibit signs of [[hyperkeratosis]] and acanthosis. There may be [[metaplasia]] of excretory ducts, which results in the visible papules if the ducts become [[hyperplasia|hyperplastic]].
There is usually no treatment since there is no increased risk of [[cancer]]. Immediate cessation of smoking may be advised in order to monitor lesion. Nicotine stomatitis should completely resolve on its own after 1 -2 weeks upon termination of smoking. If the lesion persists, a [[biopsy]] may be done to confirm diagnosis.
==References==
*Kahn, Michael A. Basic Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. Volume 1. 2001.
[[Category:Oral pathology]]