title: Oral pemphigus vulgaris preceding cutaneous lesions: recognition and diagnosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pemphigus vulgaris, or PV, is a potentially life-threatening illness that manifests itself initially in the mouth in the majority of patients. Paradoxically, it is less commonly recognized when it involves lesions on the oral mucosa rather than on the skin.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article describes the clinical presentation of 42 cases of oral PV evaluated and diagnosed by dentists. Emphasis is placed on the common distribution and appearance of oral PV lesions and diagnosis of the disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The dentist has a unique opportunity to recognize the oral presentation of PV and contribute to an early diagnosis and, therefore, an improved treatment outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine, College of Dentistry, New York University, N.Y. 10010-4086, USA.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sirois
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Leigh
authors.forename: T P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Sollecito
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003320:Corneal Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000209:etiology; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011239:Prednisolone; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid; D001379:Azathioprine