Central palatal burns associated with the eating of microwaved pizzas

Burns of the oral mucosa can be caused by heat, cold, radiation, electricit y and mechanical or chemical stimuli. Acids, alkalis and salts can cause co nsiderable damage to the oral mucosa, membranes and lips. Most damage is fo und in the oropharynx, besides the pharynx and tonsils, the alveolar mucosa of the tongue and the masticatory mucosa of the palate or gingiva show loc alized or diffused damage. The clinical appearance depends on the severity of the tissue damage and the destructive properties and mode of application of the causative agent. We present an illustrative case of central palatal burn associated with the eating of microwaved pizzas and discuss similar m echanisms of injury. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd and ISBI. All rights res erved.