Lip dysplasia, also known as an oral precancerous lesion when found on the lips, refers to abnormal cells confined to the lining (mucosa) of the lip. Essentially, it's a growth of abnormal cells that, while not cancerous, have the potential to develop into cancer if left untreated.
Understanding Oral Dysplasia
To further clarify lip dysplasia, it's helpful to understand the broader concept of oral dysplasia.
Definition
Oral dysplasia is a condition where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the oral cavity, which includes:
- Inside of the cheeks
- Inside of the lips
- Gums
- Tongue
- Roof and floor of the mouth
Characteristics
Here are some of the key features of oral dysplasia:
- Location: Confined to the mucosal lining of the mouth.
- Nature: Contains abnormal cells.
- Potential: Classified as a precancerous lesion.
Examples
The reference text clarifies where oral dysplasia can occur. Since lip dysplasia is the specific case of dysplasia occurring on the lip, it is a growth of abnormal cells on the inside lining of the lip, which is part of the oral cavity.
