Soft Tissue Diseases: An Introduction

Introduction to Soft Tissue Diseases

• Module: Oral & Dental Sciences
• Lecturer: Mariya Mahmood

GDC Learning Outcomes

• Describe oral diseases and their relevance to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Explain the etiology and pathogenesis of oral disease.
• Recognize the importance of and carry out an appropriate systematic intra- and extra-oral clinical examination.
• Recognize the importance of and record a comprehensive and contemporaneous patient history.
• Recognize abnormalities of the oral cavity and the rest of the patient and raise concerns where appropriate.
• Recognize the need for and make arrangements for appropriate follow-up care.

SPF Learning Outcomes

• Clinical knowledge and skills encompass C1.1, C1.2, C1.17, C1.25, C1.31, C1.38, C2.1.1, and C2.1.11.
• Interpersonal Skills include I (B)1 and I 1.6.
• Self-management is categorized as S(B)2.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Understand the significance of soft tissue examination and linked history taking in identifying signs of disease.
• Describe influencing factors that may exacerbate soft tissue conditions.
• Demonstrate accurate history taking and recording of soft tissues conditions.
• Identify the first considerations of supporting/managing and treating patients with soft tissue conditions.
• Reflect on experience of learning.

Scope of a DH/DT

• Understand your remit.
• Recognize what manifests in the mouth.
• Acknowledge your level of responsibility.

Examining Soft Tissues and Their Diseases

• Consider the purpose of intra oral and extra oral examination.
• Build a basis for Year 2 concepts.
• Oral Medicine conditions are explained in more depth in later years.

Soft Tissues

• Identify them
• Understand when the examination begins
• Acknowledge who holds responsibility.

Benefits and Hindrances

• Benefits of Early Detection:
• Preventable
• Easily treated
• Slow down progression
• Fatality prevented
• Early identification improves prognosis
• Factors Hindering Screening:
• Awkward conversations
• Self-doubt
• Assumption of providing diagnosis
• Competency
• Assumption another will identify

Soft Tissue Common Conditions

• Common conditions include:
• Cancer
• Lichen Planus
• Pemphygoid
• Candida
• Pemphigus
• Leukoplakia
• Ulcers
• Herpes

Common Conditions Continued

• Oral Cancer:
• Presents as cancerous lesions in the oral cavity (mouth), oropharynx (throat), and lip (outer).
• Lichen planus:
• It is a chronic, cell-mediated inflammatory disease that affects the oral mucosa and less than 3% of cases turn cancerous.