Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Hello! I’m Attaching An Image Of The Inside Of My
Question: Hello! I’m attaching an image of the inside of my mouth, and I’ve circled an area in which I noticed that there are little pinpoint dark red spots, that appear to be primarily on one side. They have been there for a long time and have not changed. Do you know what these may be and are they anything to be concerned about? Thank you!!
Brief Answer:
Pigmentations most likely due to deposition of hemosiderin...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting the query.
I've reviewed the attached image.
The small, dark spots over the soft palate on the left are the pigmentation due to the presence of hemosiderin or iron deposits.
Do not worry! This is perfectly normal and not a sign of cancer.
Many a time, there would be multiple inflammations of the minor salivary glands over the mucosa of the oral cavity. When the inflammation resolves, there is deposition of the hemosiderin or the iron in these places giving it an appearance of black spots. Iron is the normal content in the blood.
Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Pigmentations most likely due to deposition of hemosiderin...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for posting the query.
I've reviewed the attached image.
The small, dark spots over the soft palate on the left are the pigmentation due to the presence of hemosiderin or iron deposits.
Do not worry! This is perfectly normal and not a sign of cancer.
Many a time, there would be multiple inflammations of the minor salivary glands over the mucosa of the oral cavity. When the inflammation resolves, there is deposition of the hemosiderin or the iron in these places giving it an appearance of black spots. Iron is the normal content in the blood.
Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Hi Dr. Kumar!! Thank you for your kind, informing and reassuring answer! I cannot begin to tell you how much that meant to me! I tend to suffer from health anxiety, and your compassion means so much!
Can I bother you with just one other question -- I've had sinus issues my whole adult life, and here in the United States with the four seasons we have, I experience allergies and sinus inflammation and sinus infections. For the past two years, it seems it's primarily my left side in which I experience sinus pressure, and I would feel it in my upper left teeth. I went to my dentist, had dental x-rays and an exam, and my teeth are fine, but the roots extend almost into the maxillary sinus. For the past eight months or so, I am still feeling the pain and pressure in my left upper teeth, and also some pressure in my left ear. I visited my primary care doctor yesterday, and he prescribed an antibiotic and nasal spray for me. He also ordered a CT scan of my paranasal sinuses, I think primarily because I told him about my anxiety and how I worry that something sinister is going on in my sinuses. I certainly understand nothing can be said with certainty, but while I'm waiting to have that scan done, do you think I need to be unduly worried about sinus cancer? I have never smoked, am otherwise healthy, have never breathed in dust or chemicals, etc. The somewhat limited dental x-rays which I had three months ago showed the bottom portion of my maxillary sinus, which was normal, and I had a panoramic x-ray of my teeth done two years ago when I had the upper left sided tooth pain, and my sinuses looked normal in that as well. Thank you again for any reassurance you can provide -- I appreciate your time and expertise so very much!!
Can I bother you with just one other question -- I've had sinus issues my whole adult life, and here in the United States with the four seasons we have, I experience allergies and sinus inflammation and sinus infections. For the past two years, it seems it's primarily my left side in which I experience sinus pressure, and I would feel it in my upper left teeth. I went to my dentist, had dental x-rays and an exam, and my teeth are fine, but the roots extend almost into the maxillary sinus. For the past eight months or so, I am still feeling the pain and pressure in my left upper teeth, and also some pressure in my left ear. I visited my primary care doctor yesterday, and he prescribed an antibiotic and nasal spray for me. He also ordered a CT scan of my paranasal sinuses, I think primarily because I told him about my anxiety and how I worry that something sinister is going on in my sinuses. I certainly understand nothing can be said with certainty, but while I'm waiting to have that scan done, do you think I need to be unduly worried about sinus cancer? I have never smoked, am otherwise healthy, have never breathed in dust or chemicals, etc. The somewhat limited dental x-rays which I had three months ago showed the bottom portion of my maxillary sinus, which was normal, and I had a panoramic x-ray of my teeth done two years ago when I had the upper left sided tooth pain, and my sinuses looked normal in that as well. Thank you again for any reassurance you can provide -- I appreciate your time and expertise so very much!!
Brief Answer:
No symptoms suggestive of malignancy of the nose and sinuses
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back...
Thanks for your encouraging words.
I understand from your query, that, you are suffering from allergic rhinitis. This is the prime cause of your ear block. Your history doesn’t suggestive of any features of malignancy of the nose or paranasal sinuses.
A CT scan of the paranasal sinuses is a must to check for sinus blockage, the presence of mucus in the sinuses, polyps in the nose and also any other anatomical variations.
Extension of the roots of the teeth into the floor of the maxillary sinus can lead to recurrent sinus infection. The CT scan is a ‘Gold standard’ investigation for the sinus pathologies.
Also, I would recommend you to use intranasal steroid nasal spray for a minimum of 5-6 months to alleviate the symptoms.
Hope this clarifies your doubts. I wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
No symptoms suggestive of malignancy of the nose and sinuses
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back...
Thanks for your encouraging words.
I understand from your query, that, you are suffering from allergic rhinitis. This is the prime cause of your ear block. Your history doesn’t suggestive of any features of malignancy of the nose or paranasal sinuses.
A CT scan of the paranasal sinuses is a must to check for sinus blockage, the presence of mucus in the sinuses, polyps in the nose and also any other anatomical variations.
Extension of the roots of the teeth into the floor of the maxillary sinus can lead to recurrent sinus infection. The CT scan is a ‘Gold standard’ investigation for the sinus pathologies.
Also, I would recommend you to use intranasal steroid nasal spray for a minimum of 5-6 months to alleviate the symptoms.
Hope this clarifies your doubts. I wish you good health.
Regards
Dr Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Brief Answer:
Thank you so much for your kind words
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Your appreciation would always be the driving force of our service. I’m glad that your apprehension has been alleviated.
I wish you the best. I pray God to bestow his bountiful blessings on you.
Have a great day.
With warm regards
Dr Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Thank you so much for your kind words
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Your appreciation would always be the driving force of our service. I’m glad that your apprehension has been alleviated.
I wish you the best. I pray God to bestow his bountiful blessings on you.
Have a great day.
With warm regards
Dr Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Dr. XXXXXXX -- I have no further questions for you, but just wanted to express my gratitude to you for your kindness, expertise, compassion, and reassurances, which have made me feel MUCH better! Please know that your involvement in this health service, along with your terrific "bedside manner" makes a big and positive impact in many people's lives, most certainly mine (along with my health anxiety)! Thank you again and have a wonderful day! :)
Brief Answer:
No issues...Thanks for your positive feedback
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your positive feedback.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
No issues...Thanks for your positive feedback
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your positive feedback.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Words cannot even begin to express the kindness, expertise, and reassurance which Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX provided to me! He addressed and answered my questions and concerns clearly, reassuringly and compassionately...he is truly a very special doctor, and I am so grateful for his help! Many, many thanks!
Sorry Dr. XXXXXXX -- that was supposed to be the review part! oops....
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2543 Questions
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
