Parhi L, Alon-Maimon T, Sol A, Nejman D, Shhadeh A, Fainsod-Levi T, Yajuk O, Isaacson B, Abed J, Maalouf N, Nissan A, Sandbank J, Yehuda-Shnaidman E, Ponath F, Vogel J, Mandelboim O, Granot Z, Straussman R, Bachrach G. Desai S, Dharavath B, Manavalan S, Rane A, Redhu AK, Sunder R, Butle A, Mishra R, Joshi A, Togar T, Apte S, Bala P, Chandrani P, Chopra S, Bashyam MD, Banerjee A, Prabhash K, Nair S, Dutt A. Haaheim LR, Halse AK, Kvakestad R, Stern B, Normann O, Jonsson R. Silva LM, Doyle AD, Greenwell-Wild T, Dutzan N, Tran CL, Abusleme L, Juang LJ, Leung J, Chun EM, Lum AG, Agler CS, Zuazo CE, Sibree M, Jani P, Kram V, Martin D, Moss K, Lionakis MS, Castellino FJ, Kastrup CJ, Flick MJ, Divaris K, Bugge TH, Moutsopoulos NM. This condition can be treated. The epithelium is a thin tissue that lines glands and organs, including your skin. There is mild nuclear enlargement and intracellular edema. It is called squamous mucosa when the top layer is made up of squamous cells. The questions and answers that follow are meant to help you understand medical language you might find in the pathology report from your biopsy. Amplified innate and adaptive immune responses observed following antigen exposure support a role for infections driving the immunopathology and acting as environmental risk factors, possibly involving molecular mimicry in immune hyperactivity4,5. We'll discuss the recommendations. The condition is almost always benign and the risk of developing invasive cancer due to squamous cell hyperplasia is rare. Figure 2 illustrates the difference between squamous and columnar epithelium. In the last 6 years, more than 35 faculty members have joined us, and we continue to expand. When the body is injured, your immune system releases white blood cells to surround and protect the . A number of different things can irritate the esophagus and lead to inflammation, including stomach acid, trauma from taking medicines, and infections. 2023 American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. This blood then passes through the digestive tract, which may turn the stool black. A non-cancerous (benign) tumour of the esophagus is a growth that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. People who have Barretts esophagus with changes indefinite for dysplasia have a small increase in their risk of esophagus cancer, but most do not go on to get this cancer. At the American Cancer Society, we have a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. We can also help you find other free or low-cost resources available. Along with other academic departments of pathology, we share an uncompromising commitment to excellence in education, service, and research. While your Pap smear results may indicate a standard result, it can be concerning to see codes and phrases and not know their meaning. The subepithelial tissue has rare scattered lymphocytes and a mild prominence of small blood vessels. Chronic inflammation following viral infections is known to lead to various autoimmune related conditions7. The anal canal ends at the anal verge, where the anal squamous mucosa merges with the true anal skin. This is a more advanced pre-cancer of the esophagus than low-grade dysplasia. Regular screenings can detect cell changes that may indicate the onset of cancer. Its important to discuss any concerns about your Pap smear results with your doctor. Only 2535 % of patients require additional sessions, with a maximum of five dilations in more than 95 % of patients . When something damages your cells, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system. The inner lining of the esophagus is known as the mucosa. Instead, you look at what caused the light to turn on. Depth of invasion = epithelial-stromal junction in "valley" of papillae. The oral cavity is the gateway for numerous potential etiopathogenetic factors in different diseases. (2015). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcuminoid-piperine combination in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial and an updated meta-analysis. The transformation of glandular or mucosal epithelium into stratified squamous epithelium. This article addresses the basics of vulva, from a pathologic perspective. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowing what to expect can help you cope. The longer you are overweight, the longer your body can remain in a state of inflammation. Pahwa R, et al. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. We explored the changes of intestinal mucosal microbiota in hypertensive rats induced by high-salt diet and the potential link between the intestinal mucosal microbiota and inflammation in rats. The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. Topics of interest include: This initiative will address chronic inflammation related manifestations in the oral cavity. Squamous metaplasia may be: Nonkeratinizing squamous metaplasia is a noncancerous condition. Several things can cause chronic inflammation, including: Keep in mind that these issues dont cause chronic inflammation in everyone. The epithelium is a thin tissue that lines glands and organs, including your skin. What percentage of esophageal tumors are benign? The discovery of a white lesion on the oral mucosa can present a variety of challenges to the practitioner, as they can range from benign to malignant processes. Feeling that something is stuck in your throat. The evidence is not clear that a specific type of diet can prevent chronic inflammation. Inflammation can be caused by acid from the stomach or by infection. Bartholin cyst - high mag. Negative for intestinalized (Barrett's) mucosa.) A colposcopy allows a doctor to examine your cervix under magnification using a colposcope, which is a microscope with a bright light. Different patients may be treated in different ways, so discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Discomfort and inflammation are common, and thick, irregular patches of gray or white skin develop. The presence of squamous metaplasia and dysplasia on the mucosal surface of nasal polyps (NPs) represents different manifestations of epithelial atypia. Or they may diagnose you with a condition that often accompanies chronic inflammation, like rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, or another autoimmune issue. Sometimes this area is sampled when the esophagus is biopsied. Chronic infections and skin inflammation from burns, scars and other conditions. Can strictures of the esophagus be cured? Too much is often bad. A 2017 study in Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that just 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (in this case, walking on a treadmill) can have an anti-inflammatory effect. Kunnumakkara AB, et al. People with high-grade dysplasia in Barretts esophagus have a high risk of getting esophagus cancer. . Make an appointment to see your dentist for a check-up and step up your oral hygiene. The presence of multilayered (hybrid) epithelium 4. Often, people with these changes have a lot of reflux, which irritates the cells in the esophagus so that the cells look abnormal under the microscope. Strand V, et al. Is Squamous Mucosa Normal? Your doctor may use long plastic or rubber cylinders of different sizes to open the stricture, or a balloon dilator may also be inflated to accomplish the same thing. . Our Department has benefited from unprecedented growth. Can a doctor tell if a tumor is cancerous by looking at it? It is called squamous mucosa when the top layer is made up of squamous cells. When cervical screening test results are abnormal. What does it take to outsmart cancer? For instance, a blood test can be used to detect anemia or check liver function; esophageal cancer can sometimes cause anemia if the tumor bleeds, and it may impact liver function if the cancer spreads. Yet, because chronic inflammation can continue for a long time, it's not easy to know its exact impact. Seeing squamous metaplastic or endocervical cells on your Pap smear test results may raise some questions and concerns. Developing treatments and therapeutic approaches for chronic inflammation focused on functional endpoints in the oral cavity. Nonkeratinizing cervical squamous metaplasia is common in women and people assigned female at birth, and is considered a normal difference. History of skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or melanoma. Your doctor will probably recommend some sort of treatment to remove the abnormal area (usually to remove both the area of Barretts esophagus and the dysplasia). Adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma are the two most common cell types for cancers of the cervix. Ruhul Quddus, M.; Xu, C.; Steinhoff, MM. Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. You should discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Immune responses of treatment-nave patients diagnosed with Sjgrens Disease to an H1N1 influenza vaccine identified a mechanistic basis for B cell hyperactivity9,10. This interdisciplinary effort will require collaborative experts from multiple disciplines including infectious diseases, cancer, microbiology, mucosal immunology and drug development to develop and adapt translational therapeutic approaches for the oral cavity. When it comes to reporting Pap smear test results, most medical professionals will either tell you that your results were standard or that you may need to undergo further testing to confirm possible irregularities. Furthermore, active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection selectively associates with ectopic lymphoid structures in the salivary glands of Sjgrens Disease patients and appears to contribute to local growth and differentiation of disease-specific autoreactive B cells. Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: When and where is it safe? An official website of the United States government. The aim of this study was to assess . But certain blood tests are a good starting point, including ones that highlight C-reactive protein (CRP), which indicates infections or inflammation in the general body (like the joints), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), which reflects inflammation of the heart. Are squamous cells malignant? The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Benign esophageal tumors are rare, with a prevalence 0.5%, while benign tumors represent 20% of esophageal neoplasms on autopsy. BONUS! Ellulu MS, et al. Also, eat more foods high in the antioxidants known as polyphenols, which can lower inflammation. Could fish oil fight inflammation? Anti-inflammatory effects of the Mediterranean diet in the early and late stages of atheroma plaque development. Therefore, the presence of these two cell types on the pap smear simply means that the sample is an adequate one for ruling out the presence of cancer or a precancerous lesion. Chronic inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving your body in a constant state of alert. Squamous cells are also in the mucous membranes that line your mouth, nose, airways and cervix. Pregnancy, miscarriage, or abortion. What does squamous mucosa mean? Research has shown that chronic inflammation is associated with heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The most common symptoms of esophageal cancer are: The lining (epithelium) of the esophagus down to the lower esophageal sphincter is normally squamous. This is the redness, warmth, swelling, and pain around tissues and joints that occurs in response to an injury, like when you cut yourself. Panahi Y, et al. . (Reflux of the stomach contents into the esophagus is sometimes called gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD. Its also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early. The most common typerepresenting about 70 percent of benign tumorsis leiomyoma, which forms in the muscle. For instance, cut back or eliminate foods high in simple sugars like soda, fruit juices with added sugars, sports drinks, processed meat, and refined carbs like white bread and pasta. How Much Does Dehumidifier Help Cool A Room? Male gender: Men are more likely to develop BCC. Squamous metaplasia can affect any part of your epithelium. Liu Y-Z, et al. A disorder characterized by inflammation of the esophageal wall. Inflammation, acute or chronic, of the esophagus caused by bacteria, chemicals, or trauma. It is called squamous mucosa when the top layer is made up of squamous. Computed tomography (CT) scan for esophageal cancer uses X-ray images to present detailed images of the esophagus and surrounding tissues. Would blood tests show esophageal cancer? In those areas they found "fragments of endocervical and squamous mucosa with marked chronic active inflammation, reparative and reactive changes." Sounds scary, but its actually harmless. Proton-pump inhibitors: Should I still be taking this medication? Chronic Inflammation of the Oral Cavity - An Agent for Oral Mucosal Disease, Internships, Fellowships, & Training Grants, Serum antibodies from patients with primary Sjgren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus recognize multiple epitopes on the La(SS-B) autoantigen resembling viral protein sequences, The role of Epstein-Barr virus infection in primary Sjgren's syndrome, Fibrin is a critical regulator of neutrophil effector function at the oral mucosal barrier, Viruses and Autoimmunity: A Review on the Potential Interaction and Molecular Mechanisms, The SARS-CoV-2 as an instrumental trigger of autoimmunity, Implication of Epstein-Barr virus infection in disease-specific autoreactive B cell activation in ectopic lymphoid structures of Sjgren's syndrome, H1N1 vaccination in Sjgren's syndrome triggers polyclonal B cell activation and promotes autoantibody production, Viral antigens elicit augmented immune responses in primary Sjgren's syndrome. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It just means that these cells were sampled during the Pap smear and that the pathologist who examined them found them to be growing in a standard manner. RESULTS Mean carditis scores and percentages of patients with a positive carditis score were higher in Z-line biopsy specimens containing both squamous and columnar mucosa than in those with just columnar mucosa or in specimens taken 1-2 cm below the Z-line. The pattern of immunoreactivity resembled skin and differed from normal conjunctival tissue in which proliferation usually is confined to the basal layer. Irregular cells grow uncontrollably, forming a neoplasm or tumor. Most people have nonkeratinizing cervical squamous metaplasia. The only way to detect chronic inflammation is to have an evaluation by your doctor. He or she will review your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and perhaps check your blood for signs of inflammation. Information in this report will be used to help manage your care. This series of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) was developed by the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology to help patients and their families better understand what their pathology report means. Which Is More Stable Thiophene Or Pyridine? Quit smoking. What are the symptoms of chronic inflammation? Gastric epithelial dysplasia occurs when the cells of the stomach lining (called the mucosa) change and become abnormal. De Vuyst H, Clifford GM, Nascimento MC, Madeleine MM, Franceschi S (April 2009). A doctor's visit is strongly advised if chronic gastric mucosal inflammation is associated with rapid weight loss. Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, were here to help. Thanks for visiting. But when it becomes chronic, its important to try to get it under control to reduce your risk of long-term damage. 27th Ed. The guidelines for frequency of Pap smear tests changed in 2012. However, in Barretts esophagus, columnar epithelium extends to varying degree up into the esophageal body. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event. The esophagus is a tubular organ that connects the mouth to the stomach. Chronic Cervicitis is the chronic or persistent inflammation of the cervix, which is the lower portion of the uterus. (2017). This means that you do not have any pre-cancerous (premalignant) changes in your biopsies. Chest pain. Nasef NA, et al. Most of the esophagus is lined by squamous mucosa. Pancreatic metaplasia Squamous cells are types of cells found in various tissues throughout your body, including: When changes occur within these thin, flat-shaped cells, they may be described as metaplastic. Examples include all types of berries, cherries, plums, red grapes, onions, turmeric, green tea, and dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. Hormonal changes. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. The phrase endocervical cells present simply means that your doctor sampled cells from the inside of your cervix during the Pap smear. Inflammation is one way your body fights infection, injury, and disease. However, if cancer cells are detected in the endocervix, your Pap smear may indicate some form of carcinoma. Fair skin: People with fair skin have an increased risk. Some people who have human papillomavirus (HPV) develop precancerous cervical squamous metaplasia. chronic inflammatory response, hormonal dysfunctions, or compensation for damage or disease elsewhere. Characteristic of chronic inflammation near mucous membranes and often seen around invasive tumours. Dysplasia is often divided into 2 grades based on how abnormal the cells appear under the microscope: low-grade and high-grade. The American Cancer Society is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Chronic inflammation is trickier to deal with. Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Tax ID Number: 13-1788491. The effect of smoking on chronic inflammation, immune function and blood cell composition. This process usually takes many years to happen. These factors may increase your risk for developing certain types: Symptoms of squamous metaplasia vary depending on the affected area. (2015). Is a tumor in the esophagus always cancerous? The most common cause of infection is the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (also known as justH. pylori). In women with HPV, squamous metaplasia raises the risk of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The inner lining of the esophagus is known as the mucosa. Your doctor might want to repeat the endoscopy to do more biopsies to make sure you do not already have cancer that wasnt seen the first time. How many times can you have esophageal dilation? Many people have no noticeable signs. Your doctor will work with you to treat your reflux, which may help prevent more problems from developing in your esophagus. On occasion, biopsy specimens from the cardia show an increase in the amount of acute and chronic inflammatory cells, a condition termed carditis. Squamous differentiation, defined by the presence of intercellular bridges or keratinization, occurs in up to 20% of urothelial carcinomas (2,3). The inner lining of the esophagus is known as the mucosa. Squamous cells are thin, flat cells that look like fish scales, and are found in the tissue that forms the surface of the skin, the lining of the hollow organs of the body, and the lining of the respiratory and digestive tracts. Cervical ectropion, or cervical erosion, is fairly common among women of childbearing age. You can help reduce your risk of cancer by making healthy choices like eating right, staying active and not smoking. with mucosal injury * Diagnosis requires histopathologic evidence of inflammation * acute vs chronic * Etiology: * Infectious . (2020). "From the body's perspective, it's under consistent attack, so the immune system keeps fighting indefinitely," says Dr. Shmerling. This common cell change doesnt increase cancer risk. Available Every Minute of Every Day. The sections show squamous mucosa with a mild chronic inflammatory infiltrate that consists predominantly of lymphocytes. Kostic AD, Chun E, Robertson L, Glickman JN, Gallini CA, Michaud M, Clancy TE, Chung DC, Lochhead P, Hold GL, El-Omar EM, Brenner D, Fuchs CS, Meyerson M, Garrett WS. Its also important to follow recommended screening guidelines, which can help detect certain cancers early. Dotan A, Muller S, Kanduc D, David P, Halpert G, Shoenfeld Y. Croia C, Astorri E, Murray-Brown W, Willis A, Brokstad KA, Sutcliffe N, Piper K, Jonsson R, Tappuni AR, Pitzalis C, Bombardieri M. Brauner S, Folkersen L, Kvarnstrm M, Meisgen S, Petersen S, Franzn-Malmros M, Mofors J, Brokstad KA, Klareskog L, Jonsson R, Westerberg LS, Trollmo C, Malmstrm V, Ambrosi A, Kuchroo VK, Nordmark G, Wahren-Herlenius M. Bjrk A, Thorlacius GE, Mofors J, Richardsdotter Andersson E, Ivanchenko M, Tingstrm J, James T, Brokstad KA, Cox RJ, Jonsson R, Kvarnstrm M, Wahren-Herlenius M. It wont become cancerous. "In this way, inflammation is good because it protects the body." A specialist (pathologist) examines these cells under a microscope for signs of cell changes or disease. Of course, the cause of acute inflammation may need treatment. Acute inflammation often causes noticeable symptoms, like pain, redness, or swelling. Many patients need more than one dilation over time to keep the esophagus wide enough for food to pass through. When squamous cells become cancerous, squamous cell carcinoma occurs. (2014). The internal sphincter is the most distal portion of the internal circular layer of the muscularis propria and is continuous with the muscularis propria of the colorectum. Research. Low grade pre-cancerous lesions (VIN) are typically HPV positive, while high grade pre-cancerous lesions and cancer are less often HPV positive. Anti-inflammatory diet do's and don'ts. Hidradenoma papilliferum. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. While it is recognized that oral chronic inflammation is associated with a variety of systemic conditions, the mechanisms by which this heightened state, primes immune memory and then affects the onset and progress of mucosal diseases of the oral cavity is less clear. No nuclear hyperchromasia is apparent. 'Squamous metaplasia' is once again irritation/inflammation of the cervix which can lead to dysplasia if it does not regress (which it is capable of doing by supressing it to where the infection is at an extremely low level that it won't be detected). When symptoms occur, they include: Testing for squamous metaplasia varies depending on the affected area. Usually, the appearance of the disease occurs asymptomatically in the early stages, and it is called an "endoscopic . 1 The innermost lining of the digestive tract is called the mucosa or mucous membrane. Read on. In contrast, when inflammation gets turned up too high and lingers for a long time, and the immune system continues to pump out white blood cells and chemical messengers that prolong the process, that's known as chronic inflammation. Regarded as a form of atrophy (postmenopausal squamous atypia) Squamous cell carcinoma : Confused with squamous metaplasia extending into preexisting endocervical glands. The epithelium has no atypia. Integrative Biology and Infectious Diseases Branch Whether you want to learn about treatment options, get advice on coping with side effects, or have questions about health insurance, were here to help. Medication, supplements, keeping stress levels low (when possible), exercise, and following a lower-inflammation diet may all help you reduce your risk of living with chronic inflammation but before making any lifestyle changes, its always best to speak with your doctor. Taking part in one of the clinical trials being done to improve treatment should be considered. Synonym(s): epidermalization. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. But the cutaneous (skin) form is only one type. Cigarette smoking and inflammation: Cellular and molecular mechanisms. Last medically reviewed on August 19, 2021. It tells you that something is wrong. In the case of HSIL, your doctor may recommend further examination of these cells using a colposcopy. Left untreated, these cell changes can cause cervical cancer. There are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. The questions and answers that follow are meant to help you understand medical language you might find in the pathology report from your biopsy. A non-cancerous condition of the esophagus is a change to esophagus cells, but it is not cancer. The . Your doctor might want to do another endoscopy to obtain more biopsies of your esophagus to make sure you do not have something worse. Mutch D. (2021). Barretts esophagus occurs when chronic or long-term reflux (regurgitation) of the stomach contents up into the esophagus damages the normal inner lining of the esophagus. Squamous cells that may be precancerous or more likely to turn into cancer are described on a Pap test result as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL). Casas R, et al. How does chronic inflammation impact the body? The incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and its precursor, oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), is on the rise, especially in South Asia. (This is discussed in more detail later on.). N76.89 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. We also decode the meaning of other terms that may show up on a Pap test. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Here are 13 tips to get you on the right track. Drug choices range from simple aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug thats been available for more than a century, to disease-modifying drugs and so-called biologics that promise more targeted treatments. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. For example, if you are overweight and have more visceral fat cells the deep type of fat that surrounds your organs the immune system may see those cells as a threat and attack them with white blood cells. Barrett's esophagus develops in about 10-20% of patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease or inflammatory of the esophagus. According to the American Cancer Society, next steps could include: The general guidelines for Pap smears are as follows: If youve recently had an irregular Pap smear or are considered to be at high risk for cervical cancer, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing. The goal is to recognize when inflammation is simply doing its job, and when it can potentially cause problems. This inflammation of your cervix doesnt always cause symptoms. For example, this chronic inflammatory state can lead to shifts in the commensal microbiota that may play a role in carcinogenesis. (2019). In the case of acute inflammation like getting a cut on your knee or dealing with a cold the whole process usually lasts for a few hours or a few days. These foods also are linked to a lower risk of problems related to chronic inflammation, such as heart disease, weight gain, and cancer. "Carditis" is another controversial term. Cancer.org is provided courtesy of the Leo and Gloria Rosen family. Biopsy specimens were obtained from gastric antrum and corpus, immediately distal to normal-appearing squamocolumnar junction and distal esophagus. Is squamous cell carcinoma in esophagus curable? In addition, your doctor may ask that your samples be sent to an expert to review them under the microscope. Together, were making a difference and you can, too. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. A 2018 study found that participants following this diet had lower markers of inflammation. Background: The current standards of treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Division of Extramural Research. The goal of this initiative is to encourage interdisciplinary research that investigates the mechanisms driving chronic inflammation and its relationship with the physiology of the oral cavity, including oral manifestations of chronic systemic diseases. Carditis at the Z-line was focal in 49% of the specimens and was always present adjacent to the squamous epithelium. (2017). Maroon JC, et al. Many individuals dont know they have chronic inflammation until theyre diagnosed with another condition. Also follow any next steps, including further testing recommendations. An acute or chronic inflammatory process affecting the esophageal wall. Squamous metaplasia refers to noncancerous (benign) changes in squamous cells in your epithelium. Dysplasia means theres an increase in abnormal cells in tissues or organs. Research. Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic debilitating disease of the oral cavity characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissues (lamina propria and deeper connective tissues).