Oral Pathology & Microbiology for ORE Part 1
High-yield guide to odontogenic cysts, salivary neoplasms, oral candidiasis, and plaque biofilm microbiology for ORE Part 1.
Key Syllabus Concepts Tested in Oral Pathology & Microbiology
- Odontogenic keratocysts (OKC thin 6-8 cell lining), dentigerous cysts, and ameloblastoma histology
- Salivary gland tumors: Pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin tumor, Adenoid cystic carcinoma (Swiss-cheese)
- Oral microbiology: Pioneer S. mitis/oralis, S. mutans glucans, and Socransky Red Complex
- Bone lesions: Paget disease ('cotton-wool'), Fibrous Dysplasia (GNAS mutation), and Cherubism
Sample SBA Practice Questions
Sample Question 1 (Paper A)
A 55-year-old female presents with painful, bilateral white lacy striations (Wickham striae) on her buccal mucosa. Histological examination shows a band-like lymphocytic infiltrate and Civatte bodies. What is the diagnosis?
- Oral lichenoid contact reaction
- Oral discoid lupus erythematosus
- Oral lichenoid drug reaction
- Oral lichen planus (idiopathic)
✅ Correct Answer: Oral lichen planus (idiopathic)
Explanation: Wickham striae, subepithelial T-cell band infiltrate, hydropic degeneration of basal cells, and Civatte bodies are pathognomonic for Oral Lichen Planus.
Clinical Pearl: The lingual nerve lies within 2mm of the lingual crest near mandibular third molars.
Sample Question 2 (Paper A)
A panoramic radiograph reveals a multilocular, 'soap-bubble' radiolucency in the posterior mandible causing cortical expansion and root resorption. What is the diagnosis?
- Odontogenic myxoma of the mandible
- Central giant cell granuloma of the mandible
- Odontogenic keratocyst of the mandible
- Ameloblastoma of the posterior mandible
✅ Correct Answer: Ameloblastoma of the posterior mandible
Explanation: Ameloblastoma classic radiographic appearance is a multilocular ('soap-bubble') radiolucency causing cortical expansion and root resorption.
Clinical Pearl: Lingual nerve (V3) supplies general sensation to the anterior 2/3 of the tongue.
Sample Question 3 (Paper A)
Which autoimmune disease is characterized by lymphocytic destruction of exocrine glands resulting in dry mouth (xerostomia) and dry eyes?
- Sarcoidosis (Heerfordt syndrome), with non-caseating granulomas in salivary and lacrimal glands
- IgG4-related disease (Mikulicz disease), with plasma-cell infiltration of salivary and lacrimal glands
- Chronic graft-versus-host disease, with donor T-cell injury to salivary and lacrimal glands
- Sjögren syndrome, with focal lymphocytic sialadenitis of salivary and lacrimal glands
✅ Correct Answer: Sjögren syndrome, with focal lymphocytic sialadenitis of salivary and lacrimal glands
Explanation: Sjögren syndrome is a systemic autoimmune exocrinopathy targeting salivary and lacrimal glands.
Clinical Pearl: Depositing LA into the parotid gland capsule during IANB causes transient CN VII facial palsy.
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