NDHCE General and Oral Pathology 3

Question 1

Which autoimmune blistering disease is characterized by suprabasilar acantholysis and positive Nikolsky's sign in the oral cavity?

Accepted Answer

Pemphigus vulgaris

Answer

Pemphigus vulgaris involves autoantibodies against desmoglein proteins causing suprabasilar acantholysis, and the Nikolsky's sign (separation of epithelium with lateral pressure) is positive.

Question 2

Paget's disease of bone affecting the jaw would most likely produce which radiographic finding?

Accepted Answer

'Cotton wool' appearance

Answer

Paget's disease causes disorganized bone remodeling that radiographically produces a characteristic 'cotton wool' or 'cotton ball' pattern of mixed radiopaque and radiolucent areas.

Question 3

A patient with Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency) may exhibit which distinctive oral finding?

Accepted Answer

Multifocal melanin pigmentation

Answer

Addison's disease causes elevated ACTH, which stimulates melanocytes, resulting in diffuse or focal melanin hyperpigmentation of the oral mucosa, particularly the buccal mucosa and gingiva.

Question 4

Which feature differentiates a pyogenic granuloma from an irritation fibroma clinically and histologically?

Accepted Answer

High vascularity and tendency to bleed

Answer

Pyogenic granuloma is highly vascular with numerous blood vessels and bleeds easily upon probing or pressure, distinguishing it from the relatively avascular irritation fibroma.

Question 5

Fordyce spots in the oral cavity represent which anatomical variant?

Accepted Answer

Sebaceous glands without associated hair follicles

Answer

Fordyce spots are ectopic sebaceous glands (without hair follicles) found in the oral mucosa, appearing as yellowish, asymptomatic spots on the buccal mucosa and lips — a normal anatomical variant.

NDHCE - National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination Practice Test

NDHCE - National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination Practice Test

NDHCE General and Oral Pathology 3