OPERATIONS RESEARCH EXAMINATION QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWER WITH EXPLANATION GRADED A+ STUDY GUIDE

ORAL PATHOLOGY EXAM 1 DENTAL
HYGIENIST STUDENT| LATEST 2025-2026
QUESTION AND CORRECT ANSWER WITH
EXPLANATION WEST COAST UNIVERSITY
1. A 45-year-old patient presents with bilateral white striations on the
buccal mucosa that cannot be wiped off. The patient reports mild
sensitivity to spicy foods. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Oral Candidiasis
B. Oral Lichen Planus
C. Leukoplakia
D. Frictional Keratosis

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bilateral Wickham striae are characteristic of oral lichen
planus. The inability to wipe off the lesion and bilateral symmetry
support this diagnosis over candidiasis.



2. A patient presents with a removable white plaque on the tongue that
leaves a red, bleeding surface when wiped. Which condition is most
likely?
A. Leukoplakia
B. Oral Candidiasis
C. Hairy Leukoplakia
D. Lichen Planus

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Candidiasis presents as a wipeable white plaque that leaves
an erythematous surface, distinguishing it from non-wipeable lesions like
leukoplakia.



3. Which of the following lesions has the highest potential for malignant
transformation?
A. Linea Alba
B. Leukoplakia
C. Mucocele
D. Fibroma

,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Leukoplakia is a potentially malignant disorder with variable
risk of transformation, especially in high-risk sites or dysplastic forms.



4. A radiograph reveals a well-defined radiolucency at the apex of a non-
vital tooth. The patient is asymptomatic. What is the most likely
diagnosis?
A. Periapical Abscess
B. Periapical Granuloma
C. Radicular Cyst
D. Osteomyelitis

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A well-defined radiolucency at the apex of a non-vital tooth
that is asymptomatic is most consistent with a radicular cyst, which
arises from epithelial rests.



5. A patient reports recurrent painful ulcers on non-keratinized mucosa.
The ulcers heal within 10–14 days without scarring. What is the diagnosis?
A. Herpes Simplex Virus Infection
B. Aphthous Ulcer
C. Traumatic Ulcer
D. Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Aphthous ulcers typically occur on non-keratinized mucosa,
are painful, recurrent, and heal without scarring.



6. Which virus is most strongly associated with oral hairy leukoplakia?
A. Human Papillomavirus
B. Epstein-Barr Virus
C. Herpes Simplex Virus
D. Cytomegalovirus

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oral hairy leukoplakia is strongly associated with Epstein-
Barr virus and is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients.

, 7. A firm, painless, slow-growing mass on the buccal mucosa along the
bite line is most likely:
A. Fibroma
B. Papilloma
C. Mucocele
D. Hemangioma

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fibromas are common reactive lesions caused by chronic
irritation, often found along the bite line.



8. Which condition presents with a “strawberry tongue” and is associated
with a bacterial infection?
A. Scarlet Fever
B. Kawasaki Disease
C. Geographic Tongue
D. Median Rhomboid Glossitis

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Scarlet fever, caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, presents with
a characteristic strawberry tongue.



9. A bluish, fluctuant swelling on the lower lip that fluctuates in size is
most consistent with:
A. Mucocele
B. Fibroma
C. Lipoma
D. Papilloma

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Mucoceles are mucus-filled cystic lesions that appear bluish
and fluctuate due to salivary gland duct rupture.



10. Which oral condition is strongly associated with tobacco use and
presents as a non-wipeable white patch?
A. Leukoplakia