Differential Diagnosis for Discoloration on Roof of Mouth
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Smoker's melanosis: This condition is characterized by brown or black pigmentation on the mucous membranes, including the roof of the mouth, due to smoking. It's a common and benign condition.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Oral melanotic macule: A benign, flat, brown or black spot on the mucous membranes, often caused by an increase in melanin production.
- Amalgam tattoo: A blue or gray discoloration caused by the accidental implantation of amalgam particles into the oral mucosa during dental procedures.
- Nicotinic stomatitis: A condition caused by smoking, characterized by inflammation and discoloration of the mucous membranes in the mouth, including the roof.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Oral melanoma: A rare but aggressive type of cancer that can cause discoloration on the roof of the mouth. Early detection is crucial for treatment and survival.
- Kaposi's sarcoma: A type of cancer that can cause lesions on the mucous membranes, including the roof of the mouth, often associated with immunosuppression.
- Rare diagnoses
- Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: A rare genetic disorder characterized by the development of benign polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and mucocutaneous melanin deposits, which can cause discoloration on the roof of the mouth.
- Addison's disease: A rare endocrine disorder that can cause hyperpigmentation, including discoloration on the mucous membranes, due to increased levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).