Editing Category:Oral Pathology

[[File:Oral_Pathology_Specimen.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Microscopic view of an oral squamous cell carcinoma.]]

==Overview==
'''[[Oral pathology]]''' (also termed oral and maxillofacial pathology) is the specialty of [[dentistry]] and [[pathology]] that focuses on the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases.

The practice of oral pathology involves the clinical examination, [[radiographic]] interpretation, and microscopic (biopsy) analysis of tissues.

==Classification of Oral Diseases==
Articles within this category are generally organized by their origin and clinical presentation:

===1. Developmental Anomalies===
Conditions present from birth or during development, such as [[Cleft Lip and Palate]], [[Amelogenesis Imperfecta]], and [[Dentinogenesis Imperfecta]].

===2. Odontogenic Tumors and Cysts===
Lesions derived from the tissues involved in tooth formation (odontogenic epithelium or ectomesenchyme).
* '''[[Ameloblastoma]]'''
* '''[[Odontogenic Keratocyst]] (OKC)'''
* '''[[Dentigerous Cyst]]'''

===3. Mucosal and Soft Tissue Lesions===
Includes infectious, immune-mediated, and idiopathic conditions of the oral mucosa.
* '''[[Leukoplakia]]''' and '''[[Erythroplakia]]''' (Potentially Malignant Disorders)
* '''[[Oral Lichen Planus]]'''
* '''[[Aphthous Stomatitis]]''' (Canker sores)

===4. Oral Cancer===
Primary focus on '''[[Squamous Cell Carcinoma]] (SCC)''', which accounts for over 90% of oral malignancies.

===5. Salivary Gland Pathology===
Conditions affecting the major and minor salivary glands, such as [[Sjogren's Syndrome]], [[Mucocele]], and [[Pleomorphic Adenoma]].

==Diagnostic Methods==
* '''[[Biopsy]]''': Incisional vs. Excisional.
* '''[[Exfoliative Cytology]]'''
* '''[[Immunohistochemistry]]'''

==Main Article==
For more detailed information, see the primary article: '''[[Oral Pathology]]'''.

[[Category:Dental Specialties]]
[[Category:Pathology]]