Introduction: The oral and pharyngeal mucosa functions as an integrated, dynamic biological barrier under constant mechanical and microbial challenge. The shifting epidemiological profile of mucosal lesions and the rising incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated malignancies necessitate heightened clinical vigilance and the implementation of objective screening tools in dental practice.
Aim: This anatomo-clinical narrative review aims to systemize current scientific and clinical data (2016–2026) regarding the structural organization of the oral-pharyngeal mucosa as a shared diagnostic zone, analyze the efficacy of contemporary screening technologies, and propose a clinical algorithm for interdisciplinary triage between dental practitioners and otolaryngologists.
Material and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect databases for the period 2016–2026. Thirty sources (meta-analyses, clinical trials, and consensus statements) meeting the criteria for timeliness and clinical relevance were included to construct this narrative review.
Results: The mucosa is classified into three primary histological types (masticatory, lining, and specialized), each dictating a distinct clinical presentation of pathological processes. The transition to the oropharynx is identified as a "blind zone" due to the presence of lymphoepithelium within tonsillar crypts, which serves as an entry point for Human Papillomavirus. The sensitivity and specificity profiles of current screening modalities were analyzed, along with prospective applications of salivary molecular diagnostics.
Discussion and Clinical Implications: Variable keratinization can mask early dysplasia as benign white frictional lesions, whereas the thin epithelium of the lining mucosa accounts for the high malignant potential of red lesions (erythroplakia). Due to the moderate specificity of optical devices, they should be utilized for lesion demarcation and triage rather than definitive diagnosis.
Conclusion: The oral and pharyngeal mucosa constitute a unified clinical zone where the dental professional serves as the primary diagnostic shield. Recognizing alarm symptoms and implementing a structured clinical protocol for timely referral to оtorhinolaryngologъ specialists are critical for early detection and improving patient outcomes.
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