NDHCE General and Oral Pathology 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which oral lesion is characterized by a white, non-wipeable plaque that cannot be attributed to any other condition and carries a risk of malignant transformation?
- Candidiasis
- Leukoplakia (Correct answer)
- Leukoedema
- White sponge nevus
Correct answer: Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is defined as a white patch that cannot be rubbed off and cannot be classified as any other diagnosable disease, and it carries a risk of malignant transformation.
Question 2: A patient presents with a painless, slow-growing swelling on the palate that is firm on palpation and has been present for years. This description is most consistent with which salivary gland tumor?
- Mucocele
- Pleomorphic adenoma (Correct answer)
- Necrotizing sialometaplasia
- Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
Correct answer: Pleomorphic adenoma
Pleomorphic adenoma (benign mixed tumor) is the most common salivary gland tumor and presents as a slow-growing, painless, firm mass, most often on the palate among minor salivary gland sites.
Question 3: Which type of hypersensitivity reaction is responsible for anaphylaxis following administration of penicillin?
- Type II (cytotoxic)
- Type III (immune complex)
- Type I (IgE-mediated) (Correct answer)
- Type IV (delayed/cell-mediated)
Correct answer: Type I (IgE-mediated)
Anaphylaxis is a Type I (immediate) hypersensitivity reaction mediated by IgE antibodies on mast cells and basophils, triggering rapid release of histamine and other mediators.
Question 4: Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by which virus and is strongly associated with immunosuppression?
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (Correct answer)
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Correct answer: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Oral hairy leukoplakia is caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and is most commonly seen in HIV-positive individuals as a marker of immunosuppression.
Question 5: A bluish, dome-shaped fluctuant nodule located on the lower lip mucosa is most likely which pathological entity?
- Fibroma
- Mucocele (Correct answer)
- Lipoma
- Ranula
Correct answer: Mucocele
A mucocele is caused by rupture of a minor salivary gland duct with mucous extravasation into surrounding tissue, appearing as a bluish, fluctuant swelling most often on the lower lip.
Question 6: Which systemic disease is most commonly associated with the oral manifestation of 'burning mouth syndrome' (BMS)?
- Hypothyroidism
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Correct answer)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Addison's disease
Correct answer: Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the systemic conditions most commonly associated with burning mouth syndrome, along with nutritional deficiencies and hormonal changes.
Question 7: The Wickham's striae pattern of fine white lace-like lines on the buccal mucosa is characteristic of which condition?
- Lichen planus (Correct answer)
- Erythema multiforme
- Pemphigus vulgaris
- Psoriasis
Correct answer: Lichen planus
Wickham's striae — interlacing white lines on the buccal mucosa — are pathognomonic of oral lichen planus, an immune-mediated mucocutaneous disease.
NDHCE General and Oral Pathology 1
Which oral lesion is characterized by a white, non-wipeable plaque that cannot be attributed to any other condition and carries a risk of malignant transformation?