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 histological hallmark of an odontogenic keratocyst (OKC)?
Answer: Thin parakeratinised epithelium (6–8 cell layers) with a basal layer of palisaded cells and a corrugated surface
OKCs have a characteristic thin parakeratinised lining with a regular 6–8 cell layer thickness, palisaded basal cells with reverse nuclear polarity, and a corrugated surface — hallmarks used in histological diagnosis.
What is the most common benign odontogenic tumour?
Answer: Ameloblastoma
Odontoma (compound and complex types) is the most common benign odontogenic tumour or hamartoma; ameloblastoma is the most common true neoplasm of odontogenic origin.
What radiographic feature distinguishes a radicular cyst from a periapical granuloma?
Answer: Corticated (well-defined) border around a fluid-filled radiolucency in radicular cyst; granuloma is diffuse
Radicular cysts typically appear as well-defined radiolucencies with a corticated border; periapical granulomas tend to be smaller, ill-defined, and lack a corticated margin, though histology is required for definitive diagnosis.
What is the most common oral manifestation of HIV infection?
Answer: Pseudomembranous candidiasis (oral thrush) and linear gingival erythema
Pseudomembranous candidiasis is the most common oral manifestation, often presenting early in HIV disease; oral hairy leukoplakia (lateral tongue) is characteristic, while linear gingival erythema is also specific to HIV-associated periodontal disease.
What is the pathological significance of a low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma?
Answer: Most common malignant salivary gland tumour; low-grade has good prognosis with surgery
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour; low-grade tumours contain more mucous cells and have an excellent prognosis with complete surgical excision.
What is the characteristic microscopic appearance of a pleomorphic adenoma?
Answer: Mixed epithelial and mesenchymal-like stroma (chondromyxoid stroma) with tubular structures
Pleomorphic adenoma (mixed tumour) shows a diverse histology: epithelial ductal structures and myoepithelial cells embedded in a characteristic chondromyxoid stroma, explaining its name.