GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY FOR
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions — Terminology
Used in Describing Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem
A 45-year-old patient presents with a 6-mm, well-
circumscribed, raised lesion on the buccal mucosa. On
palpation it is firm and dome-shaped. Which descriptive term
best fits this lesion?
Options
A. Macule
B. Papule
C. Plaque
D. Patch
,Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): A papule is a small (<1 cm), elevated, solid
lesion with a dome-shaped or pointed surface — matching
the 6-mm firm raised lesion described.
• Incorrect (A): A macule is a flat, non-palpable area of color
change and would not be raised.
• Incorrect (C): A plaque is a slightly elevated, plateau-like
lesion typically >1 cm; this lesion is smaller and dome-
shaped.
• Incorrect (D): A patch is a flat discoloration larger than a
macule; it is nonpalpable and thus inconsistent.
Teaching Point
Papules are solid, raised lesions smaller than 1 cm.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions — Terminology
Used in Describing Oral Pathologic Lesions
,Question Stem
During an intraoral exam you note a broad-based lesion on the
lateral tongue that resembles a mushroom stem attachment.
Which term describes the lesion’s base?
Options
A. Sessile
B. Pedunculated
C. Endophytic
D. Verrucous
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): A pedunculated lesion has a stalk or stem-like
attachment (mushroom appearance), which fits the
description.
• Incorrect (A): Sessile lesions have a broad, flat base rather
than a stalk.
• Incorrect (C): Endophytic describes inward-growing lesions
(invading below surface), not a stalked appearance.
• Incorrect (D): Verrucous describes a wart-like surface
texture, not the base attachment.
Teaching Point
Pedunculated = lesion attached by a stalk; sessile = broad base.
, Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Patient Assessment and History — Signs and Symptoms
Question Stem
A 30-year-old reports a 2-week history of painful, shallow oral
ulcers preceded by a fever. On exam there are multiple shallow
mucosal losses with erythematous halos. Which historical detail
most supports a viral (herpetic) etiology over aphthous
stomatitis?
Options
A. Lesions confined to nonkeratinized mucosa only
B. Prodromal fever and systemic symptoms before lesions
C. Recurrent episodes only on attached gingiva
D. Complete resolution with topical antifungal therapy
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Herpetic infections often have prodromal
systemic symptoms (fever, malaise) before vesicles/ulcers,
supporting a viral etiology.
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions — Terminology
Used in Describing Oral Pathologic Lesions
Question Stem
A 45-year-old patient presents with a 6-mm, well-
circumscribed, raised lesion on the buccal mucosa. On
palpation it is firm and dome-shaped. Which descriptive term
best fits this lesion?
Options
A. Macule
B. Papule
C. Plaque
D. Patch
,Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): A papule is a small (<1 cm), elevated, solid
lesion with a dome-shaped or pointed surface — matching
the 6-mm firm raised lesion described.
• Incorrect (A): A macule is a flat, non-palpable area of color
change and would not be raised.
• Incorrect (C): A plaque is a slightly elevated, plateau-like
lesion typically >1 cm; this lesion is smaller and dome-
shaped.
• Incorrect (D): A patch is a flat discoloration larger than a
macule; it is nonpalpable and thus inconsistent.
Teaching Point
Papules are solid, raised lesions smaller than 1 cm.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
2
Reference
Ch. 1 — Assessment of Oral Pathologic Lesions — Terminology
Used in Describing Oral Pathologic Lesions
,Question Stem
During an intraoral exam you note a broad-based lesion on the
lateral tongue that resembles a mushroom stem attachment.
Which term describes the lesion’s base?
Options
A. Sessile
B. Pedunculated
C. Endophytic
D. Verrucous
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): A pedunculated lesion has a stalk or stem-like
attachment (mushroom appearance), which fits the
description.
• Incorrect (A): Sessile lesions have a broad, flat base rather
than a stalk.
• Incorrect (C): Endophytic describes inward-growing lesions
(invading below surface), not a stalked appearance.
• Incorrect (D): Verrucous describes a wart-like surface
texture, not the base attachment.
Teaching Point
Pedunculated = lesion attached by a stalk; sessile = broad base.
, Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Patient Assessment and History — Signs and Symptoms
Question Stem
A 30-year-old reports a 2-week history of painful, shallow oral
ulcers preceded by a fever. On exam there are multiple shallow
mucosal losses with erythematous halos. Which historical detail
most supports a viral (herpetic) etiology over aphthous
stomatitis?
Options
A. Lesions confined to nonkeratinized mucosa only
B. Prodromal fever and systemic symptoms before lesions
C. Recurrent episodes only on attached gingiva
D. Complete resolution with topical antifungal therapy
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): Herpetic infections often have prodromal
systemic symptoms (fever, malaise) before vesicles/ulcers,
supporting a viral etiology.
