GENERAL AND ORAL PATHOLOGY FOR
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Patient Assessment and History
Question Stem
A 58-year-old patient reports a slowly enlarging, painless white
patch on the lateral tongue discovered 3 months ago. Which
historical detail most increases concern for dysplastic or
malignant transformation and warrants prompt biopsy?
Options
A. History of intermittent oral candidiasis treated successfully
with nystatin
B. Life-long non-smoker with occasional social alcohol use
C. Recent change in size and failure to resolve after 2–3 weeks
D. Family history of benign oral mucosal lesions
,Correct Answer
C
Rationales
• Correct (C): A lesion that increases in size and fails to
resolve within 2–3 weeks is a red flag in history that raises
concern for dysplasia or malignancy and indicates biopsy.
• Incorrect (A): Prior candidiasis that responded to
antifungals suggests an infectious cause, but resolution
with treatment lowers immediate suspicion for
malignancy.
• Incorrect (B): Lack of tobacco use lowers but does not
eliminate risk; occasional alcohol alone is less specific than
lesion behavior.
• Incorrect (D): Family history of benign mucosal lesions
provides limited relevance to an isolated, enlarging white
patch.
Teaching Point
Nonhealing or enlarging oral lesions >2 weeks → consider
biopsy.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
2
,Reference
Ch. 1 — Signs and Symptoms
Question Stem
During assessment a patient describes a "burning" sensation on
the anterior tongue without visible mucosal change. Which
interpretation best fits this symptom and directs the next step?
Options
A. Burning pain localized to mucosa usually indicates fungal
infection — start topical antifungal.
B. Burning without visible lesions suggests neuropathic pain or
systemic cause — obtain medication, psychosocial, and
systemic history.
C. All burning oral sensations are psychosomatic — refer to
counseling.
D. Burning without lesions always indicates nutritional
deficiency — order vitamin B12 and iron only.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): A burning sensation with no visible findings
(oral burning) often reflects neuropathic pain, xerostomia,
or systemic/medication causes; thorough history and
review of systemic factors are indicated.
, • Incorrect (A): Fungal infections commonly have visible
signs (white plaques) and respond to antifungals; absence
of lesions makes this less likely.
• Incorrect (C): Labeling as psychosomatic without
assessment is inappropriate; psychosocial factors may
contribute but require evaluation.
• Incorrect (D): Nutritional deficiencies can cause glossitis or
burning but are not the sole explanation; broader history
and labs are needed.
Teaching Point
Unexplained oral burning without lesions → evaluate meds,
systemic disease, and neuropathic causes.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Head, Neck, and Intraoral Neck Examinations
Question Stem
While performing extraoral palpation you note a firm, fixed
cervical node on the left side in a 65-year-old smoker. Which
action is most appropriate for immediate management?
DENTAL HYGIENE PRACTICE
AUTHOR(S)MYERS, SANDRA; CURRAN,
ALICE
TEST BANK
1
Reference
Ch. 1 — Patient Assessment and History
Question Stem
A 58-year-old patient reports a slowly enlarging, painless white
patch on the lateral tongue discovered 3 months ago. Which
historical detail most increases concern for dysplastic or
malignant transformation and warrants prompt biopsy?
Options
A. History of intermittent oral candidiasis treated successfully
with nystatin
B. Life-long non-smoker with occasional social alcohol use
C. Recent change in size and failure to resolve after 2–3 weeks
D. Family history of benign oral mucosal lesions
,Correct Answer
C
Rationales
• Correct (C): A lesion that increases in size and fails to
resolve within 2–3 weeks is a red flag in history that raises
concern for dysplasia or malignancy and indicates biopsy.
• Incorrect (A): Prior candidiasis that responded to
antifungals suggests an infectious cause, but resolution
with treatment lowers immediate suspicion for
malignancy.
• Incorrect (B): Lack of tobacco use lowers but does not
eliminate risk; occasional alcohol alone is less specific than
lesion behavior.
• Incorrect (D): Family history of benign mucosal lesions
provides limited relevance to an isolated, enlarging white
patch.
Teaching Point
Nonhealing or enlarging oral lesions >2 weeks → consider
biopsy.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
2
,Reference
Ch. 1 — Signs and Symptoms
Question Stem
During assessment a patient describes a "burning" sensation on
the anterior tongue without visible mucosal change. Which
interpretation best fits this symptom and directs the next step?
Options
A. Burning pain localized to mucosa usually indicates fungal
infection — start topical antifungal.
B. Burning without visible lesions suggests neuropathic pain or
systemic cause — obtain medication, psychosocial, and
systemic history.
C. All burning oral sensations are psychosomatic — refer to
counseling.
D. Burning without lesions always indicates nutritional
deficiency — order vitamin B12 and iron only.
Correct Answer
B
Rationales
• Correct (B): A burning sensation with no visible findings
(oral burning) often reflects neuropathic pain, xerostomia,
or systemic/medication causes; thorough history and
review of systemic factors are indicated.
, • Incorrect (A): Fungal infections commonly have visible
signs (white plaques) and respond to antifungals; absence
of lesions makes this less likely.
• Incorrect (C): Labeling as psychosomatic without
assessment is inappropriate; psychosocial factors may
contribute but require evaluation.
• Incorrect (D): Nutritional deficiencies can cause glossitis or
burning but are not the sole explanation; broader history
and labs are needed.
Teaching Point
Unexplained oral burning without lesions → evaluate meds,
systemic disease, and neuropathic causes.
Citation
Myers, S., & Curran, A. (2023). General and Oral Pathology for
Dental Hygiene Practice (3rd Ed.). Ch. 1.
3
Reference
Ch. 1 — Head, Neck, and Intraoral Neck Examinations
Question Stem
While performing extraoral palpation you note a firm, fixed
cervical node on the left side in a 65-year-old smoker. Which
action is most appropriate for immediate management?
