NBDE Oral Pathology and Radiology 3

Question 1

Geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis) is characterized histologically by:

Accepted Answer

Loss of filiform papillae with neutrophilic infiltration forming Munro microabscesses

Answer

Geographic tongue shows atrophy of filiform papillae and neutrophilic spongiform pustules (Munro microabscesses) resembling psoriasis histologically.

Question 2

A child presents with a painless swelling at the angle of the mandible. CT shows a well-defined cystic lesion in the parotid region containing fat and skin appendages. The diagnosis is:

Accepted Answer

Dermoid cyst

Answer

A dermoid cyst contains ectodermal elements including hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and fat, differentiating it from epidermoid cysts which lack skin appendages.

Question 3

The 'condensing osteitis' (focal sclerosing osteomyelitis) seen on periapical films is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Diffuse radiopacity at the apex of a tooth with pulpitis or necrosis

Answer

Condensing osteitis is a bony reaction to low-grade pulpal inflammation that appears as a diffuse periapical radiopacity, most often at mandibular first molar apices.

Question 4

Sjögren syndrome causes xerostomia primarily due to:

Accepted Answer

Lymphocytic infiltration and destruction of acinar cells

Answer

In Sjögren syndrome, autoreactive T-cells infiltrate and destroy the secretory acinar cells of salivary and lacrimal glands, causing dry mouth and dry eyes.

Question 5

Which radiographic appearance best describes a periapical granuloma versus a radicular cyst?

Accepted Answer

Granulomas and cysts cannot be reliably differentiated radiographically

Answer

Periapical granulomas and radicular cysts both appear as periapical radiolucencies and cannot be definitively distinguished radiographically — histologic examination is required.

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE - National Board Dental Examination Practice Test

NBDE Oral Pathology and Radiology 3