Types of
Lesions
Below the Surface
ULCER
EROSION
ABSCESS
CYST
Above the Surface
BLISTER
PUSTULE
-depressed lesions
-a defect or break in the continuity of
the mucosa
-similar to a crater, a break in the
continuity of the mucosa
-also known as an aphthous ulcer,
canker sore
-cause: trauma, tissue manipulation,
foods, stress
-shallow defect in the mucosa
-cause: trauma, which means wound
or injury
-localized area with a collection of pus
-related to infection
-the pus contains tissue debris and
white blood cells (proteins, plasma
fluids)
-cause: dental infection
-drain abscess and prescribe
antibiotics
-a closed sac of fluid in the maxilla
-usually asymptomatic (no symptoms)
-cause: unknown
-above the surface or elevated
lesions: lesion above the plane of the
skin or mucosa
-blisterform: contains fluid and is
usually soft
-nonblisterform: solid mass that does
not contain fluid
-vesicle
-lesions filed with watery fluid
-tend to rupture leaving an ulcer
-herpes
-blisterform
-lesion that contains pus
-blisterform
Created by Mary Clark, Dental Hygiene Peer Tutor
This handout is provided by the CLR.
HEMATOMA
PLAQUE (leukoplakia)
NODULE
TUMOR
Flat to the Surface
MACULE
ECCHYMOSIS
-lesion that results from an
accumulation of blood
-cause: trauma
-blisterform
-patch or area that is slightly raised
-usually white in color (leukoplakia)
-nonblisterform
-small, solid mass
-nonblisterform
-growth of tissue that can be:
-benign: not life-threatening
-malignant: spreading, life-threatening
-on the same level as the normal skin
or oral mucosa
-flat lesion of abnormal color
-also known as a freckle
-area of discoloration
-hemorrhagic patch
-cause: bruising from trauma, can also
be caused by blood thinners (bruise
easier)
Created by Mary Clark, Dental Hygiene Peer Tutor
This handout is provided by the CLR.