- Fordyce granules are ectopic sebaceous glands that are commonly found on the oral mucosa, especially on the inner cheeks and lips.
- These granules are a normal anatomical variation and are not pathological.

- The key characteristic that helps to distinguish normal Fordyce granules from pathological lesions is their appearance as yellow-white spots or small papules.
- They are typically asymptomatic, painless, and do not show any signs of inflammation or ulceration.

- In contrast, pathological lesions in the oral mucosa often present with symptoms such as pain, ulceration, or red and inflamed nodules.
- For example, swollen lymphoid aggregates or inflamed nodules are usually associated with infections or other oral diseases and are not characteristic of Fordyce granules.

Therefore, the presence of yellow-white spots on the oral mucosa, without pain or inflammation, is a distinguishing feature of Fordyce granules and helps clinicians to differentiate them from other pathological conditions.

Key Points:
- Fordyce granules are normal, ectopic sebaceous glands.
- They appear as yellow-white, painless spots on the oral mucosa.
- They are not inflamed or ulcerated, unlike pathological lesions.
- Awareness of this characteristic prevents misdiagnosis.