Oral Pathology: Common Lesions Practice Questions
20 free Oral Pathology: Common Lesions practice questions for the CDA. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which oral lesion is most commonly associated with Candida albicans infection?
- A Angular cheilitis
- B Leukoplakia
- C Erythroplakia
- D Lichen planus
Correct answer: Angular cheilitis
Angular cheilitis often involves Candida species and appears as cracking and redness at the corners of the mouth. It may occur alongside nutritional deficiencies or denture irritation.
Which lesion appears as a white patch that cannot be wiped off and has a risk of malignancy?
- A Pseudomembranous candidiasis
- B Leukoplakia
- C Fordyce granules
- D Frictional keratosis
Correct answer: Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia is a persistent white patch that cannot be rubbed off. It is considered a premalignant lesion and requires evaluation.
Which lesion is characterized by a white, lacy pattern commonly seen on the buccal mucosa?
- A Erythema migrans
- B Lichen planus
- C Varicosities
- D Mucocele
Correct answer: Lichen planus
Lichen planus often presents as Wickham’s striae, a lacy white pattern. It is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting mucous membranes.
A fluid-filled swelling of the lower lip caused by trauma to a salivary duct is most likely:
- A Ranula
- B Mucocele
- C Fibroma
- D Pyogenic granuloma
Correct answer: Mucocele
A mucocele occurs when a minor salivary gland duct ruptures, trapping mucus. It commonly affects the lower lip after trauma.
Which lesion is considered the most common premalignant lesion of the oral cavity?
- A Erythroplakia
- B Actinic cheilitis
- C Leukoplakia
- D Oral fibroma
Correct answer: Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia has the highest prevalence among premalignant oral lesions. It requires monitoring and sometimes biopsy.
Which lesion appears as a smooth, red, denture-related inflammatory area on the palate?
- A Nicotine stomatitis
- B Denture stomatitis
- C Herpetic gingivostomatitis
- D Aphthous ulcer
Correct answer: Denture stomatitis
Denture stomatitis is associated with ill-fitting dentures and Candida infection. The affected palate appears erythematous and smooth.
A patient presents with small, painful ulcers with a yellow center and red halo. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Oral herpes
- B Aphthous ulcers
- C Geographic tongue
- D Lichen planus
Correct answer: Aphthous ulcers
Aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, are painful shallow ulcers with a yellow base. They are not caused by viruses and occur on non-keratinized mucosa.
Which lesion is commonly associated with tobacco use and presents with red, velvety areas on the oral mucosa?
- A Erythroplakia
- B Lichen planus
- C Hemangioma
- D Fibroma
Correct answer: Erythroplakia
Erythroplakia appears as red, velvety patches and has a high risk of malignancy. It is strongly linked to tobacco and alcohol use.
Which condition presents as multiple small, yellow papules on the buccal mucosa, representing ectopic sebaceous glands?
- A Fordyce granules
- B White sponge nevus
- C Linea alba
- D Mucocele
Correct answer: Fordyce granules
Fordyce granules are harmless sebaceous glands in the oral mucosa. They are asymptomatic and require no treatment.
Which lesion appears as a red, inflamed papule that bleeds easily and is often associated with pregnancy?
- A Fibroma
- B Pyogenic granuloma
- C Mucocele
- D Hemangioma
Correct answer: Pyogenic granuloma
Pyogenic granulomas are vascular, rapidly growing lesions that bleed easily. They are associated with hormonal changes, including pregnancy.
Which lesion appears as a white patch that CAN be wiped off, leaving a red, raw surface?
- A Leukoplakia
- B Frictional keratosis
- C Pseudomembranous candidiasis
- D Lichen planus
Correct answer: Pseudomembranous candidiasis
Pseudomembranous candidiasis produces a removable white coating. Removal leaves an erythematous, sensitive mucosal surface.
Which lesion is characterized by “migrating” red patches with white borders on the tongue?
- A Geographic tongue
- B Black hairy tongue
- C Median rhomboid glossitis
- D Angular cheilitis
Correct answer: Geographic tongue
Geographic tongue, or erythema migrans, shows areas of depapillation surrounded by white borders. The pattern changes over time.
Which benign lesion results from chronic cheek biting or irritation?
- A Linea alba
- B Fibroma
- C Fordyce granules
- D Ranula
Correct answer: Fibroma
Fibromas are reactive hyperplasias caused by chronic irritation or trauma. They are firm, smooth, and typically asymptomatic.
Which lesion occurs on the floor of the mouth and is a type of mucocele involving a major salivary gland duct?
- A Ranula
- B Fibroma
- C Hemangioma
- D Aphthous ulcer
Correct answer: Ranula
A ranula is a large mucocele that arises from the sublingual gland. It appears as a bluish, dome-shaped swelling on the floor of the mouth.
Which lesion typically presents as white, elongated patches on the lateral borders of the tongue in immunocompromised patients?
- A Hairy leukoplakia
- B Erythroplakia
- C Canker sores
- D Geographic tongue
Correct answer: Hairy leukoplakia
Hairy leukoplakia appears as corrugated white patches on the lateral tongue. It is associated with Epstein-Barr virus and immunosuppression.
Which lesion is linked to HPV infection and appears as small, cauliflower-like growths?
- A Squamous papilloma
- B Mucocele
- C Fibroma
- D Traumatic ulcer
Correct answer: Squamous papilloma
Squamous papillomas are benign lesions caused by low-risk HPV strains. They appear as papillary or wart-like growths.
Which lesion appears as red, inflamed, depapillated areas in the midline of the tongue’s dorsum?
- A Median rhomboid glossitis
- B Geographic tongue
- C Black hairy tongue
- D Aphthous stomatitis
Correct answer: Median rhomboid glossitis
Median rhomboid glossitis is associated with chronic Candida infection. It appears in the midline area of the dorsum where filiform papillae are absent.
Which lesion presents with elongated filiform papillae that appear dark or stained?
- A Geographic tongue
- B Black hairy tongue
- C White sponge nevus
- D Erythroplakia
Correct answer: Black hairy tongue
Black hairy tongue results from accumulation of keratin on filiform papillae. It is often related to poor oral hygiene or smoking.
Which condition is characterized by bilateral white plaques on the buccal mucosa that do not rub off and are present from childhood?
- A Leukoplakia
- B White sponge nevus
- C Frictional keratosis
- D Lichen planus
Correct answer: White sponge nevus
White sponge nevus is a hereditary condition producing thick, white, non-wipeable plaques. It is benign and typically asymptomatic.
Which lesion results from blood vessel proliferation and often appears as a red or purple mass in children?
- A Hemangioma
- B Fibroma
- C Leukoplakia
- D Ranula
Correct answer: Hemangioma
Hemangiomas are benign vascular proliferations. They often appear in early childhood and may regress over time.