MJDF Oral Medicine and Pathology 2

Question 1

A patient presents with a white patch on the lateral border of the tongue that cannot be wiped off. Which diagnosis should be considered first and investigated?

Accepted Answer

Leukoplakia — a potentially malignant disorder requiring biopsy to exclude dysplasia

Answer

Pseudomembranous candidiasis

Answer

Traumatic white line (linea alba)

Answer

Geographic tongue (erythema migrans)

Question 2

Which of the following is the MOST common type of oral cancer?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)

Answer

Adenocarcinoma of the minor salivary glands

Answer

Malignant melanoma of the oral mucosa

Answer

Lymphoma of the oral soft tissues

Question 3

A patient presents with multiple painful oral ulcers, each measuring 3-5mm, affecting the labial and buccal mucosa but not the attached gingiva. The ulcers heal without scarring within 7-10 days but recur regularly. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (minor RAS)

Answer

Herpetic gingivostomatitis

Answer

Erythema multiforme

Answer

Behcet's disease

Question 4

Which salivary gland is MOST commonly affected by pleomorphic adenoma?

Accepted Answer

Parotid gland

Answer

Sublingual gland

Answer

Submandibular gland

Answer

Minor salivary glands of the hard palate

Question 5

Erythroplakia in the oral cavity is significant because it:

Accepted Answer

Has the highest risk of all oral mucosal lesions for malignant transformation or existing carcinoma

Answer

Is always benign and requires only monitoring

Answer

Is always associated with candidal infection and resolves with antifungal treatment

Answer

Is a normal variant of the oral mucosa seen in smokers

Question 6

Oral candidiasis most commonly presents as pseudomembranous candidiasis ('thrush'). Which patient group is at HIGHEST risk for developing this condition?

Accepted Answer

Immunocompromised patients, denture wearers, patients on broad-spectrum antibiotics, or inhaled corticosteroid users

Answer

Healthy adults with good oral hygiene

Answer

Teenagers with orthodontic appliances

Answer

Patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes on diet control alone