Oral Melanotic Macule
Pronunciation: mel-uh-NOT-ik MAK-yool
A benign, flat, well-demarcated pigmented lesion of the oral mucosa caused by increased melanin deposition in the basal layer without melanocyte proliferation, most commonly found on the lip or gingiva.
Full Definition
The oral melanotic macule (also called focal melanosis) is the oral mucosal counterpart of the cutaneous ephelis (freckle) and represents localised increased melanin pigmentation of the basal epithelial layer in the absence of melanocyte proliferation. It appears as a flat, well-defined, uniformly brown to black macule, typically less than 1 cm in diameter, most frequently on the lower lip (labial melanotic macule), gingiva, or buccal mucosa. Importantly, it is a diagnosis of exclusion and must be distinguished from oral melanoma and melanocytic naevus, both of which may appear clinically similar. Editors should ensure that 'melanotic macule' is not edited to 'melanosis' (a broader and distinct term) or confused with racial pigmentation.
Usage
Usage note: Editors must not simplify 'oral melanotic macule' to 'melanosis', which implies a diffuse or systemic pigmentary disturbance. Site specificity (lip, gingiva, buccal mucosa) should be preserved in all descriptions.
In Context
- "A solitary, well-defined brown macule on the lower lip vermilion was biopsied and reported as an oral melanotic macule." — Biopsy report
- "Oral melanotic macule must be distinguished from early oral melanoma, which may present with irregular borders and colour variation." — Clinical review