Oral & Dental Pathology Flashcards
6 cards from real MJDF practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Oral & Dental Pathology flashcards as text
What is the most likely diagnosis when a patient presents with multiple painless cervical lymphadenopathy and persistent oral ulcers not healing after 3 weeks?
Answer: Oral squamous cell carcinoma until proven otherwise — urgent 2-week wait referral required
Persistent oral ulceration exceeding 3 weeks with cervical lymphadenopathy raises strong suspicion for oral malignancy; urgent referral via the 2-week wait pathway is mandatory.
What systemic disease is associated with multiple periapical radiolucencies without obvious dental causes?
Answer: Multiple myeloma
Multiple myeloma can present with multiple punched-out radiolucencies throughout the jaw that mimic periapical pathology; systemic investigation including serum electrophoresis is required.
What is the most common benign tumour of the gingiva?
Answer: Fibrous epulis (fibroma)
A fibrous epulis (gingival fibroma) is the most common benign gingival swelling, resulting from chronic irritation causing fibroblastic proliferation; it is firm, pale, and usually near the gingival margin.
What is the significance of Stafne's bone cavity (static bone cyst) on a dental radiograph?
Answer: A developmental depression of the lingual mandibular surface (normal variant) — no treatment required
Stafne's cavity is a developmental lingual cortical depression below the inferior alveolar canal, typically seen as a well-defined radiolucency — it is a normal variant requiring only confirmation by CT, not treatment.
What is the mechanism of action of bisphosphonates that predisposes to osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)?
Answer: Inhibit osteoclast function and promote osteoclast apoptosis, impairing normal bone remodelling and healing
Bisphosphonates inhibit farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase in osteoclasts, causing their apoptosis; without normal bone remodelling, avascular necrosis develops, particularly after dentoalveolar surgery.
Which viral infection is associated with hairy leukoplakia on the lateral tongue in immunocompromised patients?
Answer: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by Epstein-Barr virus replicating in lateral tongue epithelium in immunosuppressed patients (most commonly HIV-positive); it appears as a white corrugated lesion that cannot be wiped off.