Oral Pathology and Diseases Quiz

Glossitis and Cysts

• Atrophic glossitis involves papillary atrophy of the tongue, marked by absence of filiform and fungiform papillae.
• A cyst is a pathologic cavity lined with epithelium, typically containing fluid or semi-solid material.
• Developmental odontogenic cysts originate from the tooth-forming apparatus epithelium and are non-inflammatory, differing from periapical (radicular) cysts.

Leukoplakia and Erythroplakia

• Leukoplakia is a diagnosis of exclusion, typically confirmed once other white lesions such as frictional keratosis, hyperplastic candidiasis, and smoker’s keratosis are ruled out.
• In 1978, the WHO categorized oral erythroplakia as “bright red, velvety plaques” which cannot be characterized by other clinical or pathological conditions.

Cancer and Ulcers

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA) ranks as the most common oral cancer, with frequent occurrences on the lateral border of the tongue, oropharynx, and floor of the mouth.
• Traumatic ulcers arise from cuts, abrasions, or irritation of the mucosal surface.

Mucosal Changes and Growths

• Hyperkeratosis refers to a microscopic layer of thickened parakeratin and/or orthokeratin within the oral mucosal epithelium.
• Granulation tissue overgrowth, often a reaction to chronic irritation or dental plaque, is termed epulis.

Reactive Growths and Hemorrhages

• "Fibroma" denotes a reactive fibrous tissue overgrowth, which is not a true neoplasm.
• A hematoma consists of pooled extravasated blood under the epithelium or within connective tissue, typically due to blunt trauma.

Abscesses and Mucosal Phenomena

• A dental abscess, often referred to as a “gumboil,” is localized swelling on the gingiva originating from an apical or periodontal source.
• The mucous extravasation phenomenon, commonly observed, results from saliva pooling due to gland obstruction.

Salivary Glands and Secretion Issues

• A mucous extravasation associated with the submandibular or sublingual glands is located in the floor of the mouth.
• Salivary stones are most frequently found in the submandibular gland.
• Hyposalivation (hypoptyalism) signifies reduced saliva production, impacting oral moisture and health.
• Xerostomia, or dry mouth, can result from degenerative or autoimmune diseases affecting salivary glands.
• Secondary xerostomia is often a side effect of medications, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalances.