Oral Pathology & Diagnosis Flashcards

What is the most common site for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the United States?

Answer: Lateral and ventral tongue and floor of mouth

The lateral/ventral tongue and floor of mouth are the most common sites for OSCC in the US, likely due to pooling of carcinogens in saliva at these locations.

A patient has recurrent crops of small, round ulcers with a yellow-gray pseudomembrane and erythematous halo that heal without scarring in 7–14 days. What is the diagnosis?

Answer: Minor aphthous ulcers (recurrent aphthous stomatitis)

Minor aphthous ulcers are the most common recurrent oral ulceration, characterized by small (<1 cm), round, non-herpetiform ulcers on non-keratinized mucosa that heal without scarring.

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is etiologically associated with which oral lesion?

Answer: Hairy leukoplakia

Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by EBV replication in oral epithelial cells, most commonly seen in HIV-positive patients as a white corrugated lesion on the lateral tongue.

Which feature most strongly suggests a mucocele rather than a salivary gland tumor?

Answer: Blue-tinged fluctuant swelling on the lower lip that may rupture and recur

Mucoceles are blue-tinged, fluctuant, often recurrent lesions on the lower lip caused by mucus extravasation or retention from minor salivary gland trauma.

Which bone pathology shows a 'ground glass' radiographic appearance and commonly affects one quadrant of the jaw in young patients?

Answer: Fibrous dysplasia

Fibrous dysplasia replaces normal bone with fibrous tissue containing woven bone trabeculae, producing the classic 'ground glass' or 'orange peel' radiographic appearance.

A patient with xerostomia, bilateral parotid enlargement, and dry eyes most likely has which systemic condition?

Answer: Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands, causing xerostomia and xerophthalmia.