Case #7 Discussion

Summary: This is a vesicular-ulcerated-erythematous surface lesion of the oral mucosa   ~White plaques that rub off   ~Mucosa under the plaques is tender and erythematous Lesions to Exclude in the Differential Diagnosis: All Hereditary Lesions   ~Ulcers, and often vesicles are present   ~Skin lesions are present   ~Lesions are present from birth or childhood All Viral Lesions   ~Viral lesions have an acute onset   ~Vesicles may be present although they often rupture before they are noticed.   ~Ulcers are present   ~Systemic manifestations and lymphadenopathy, although these are not always present with viral infections. All Autoimmune Lesions   ~Blisters and painful ulcers of slow onset   ~May get better and worse, but are persistent and progressive All Idiopathic Lesions   ~Aphthous Ulcers        *Ulcers are present        *Acute or abrupt onset        *Usually resolves in 7-14 days, or the same amount of time for each patient        *Location – on non-keratinized mucosal surfaces   ~Erosive Lichen Planus        *The white patches do not rub off        *White patches often have a network pattern (Wickham’s striae)   ~Erythema Multiforme        *Acute onset of blisters and ulcers        *May have systemic manifestations        *Does not usually have white patches that rub off.   ~Medication-Induced Stomatitis and Contact Stomatitis        *Associated white lesions do not rub off   ~Erythroplasia        *These lesions are asymptomatic – patient is almost never aware of these        *If white lesions are present they do not rub off Lesions to Include in the Differential Diagonsis: Mycotic Lesions – Candidosis   ~Produces white plaques that appear as cottage cheese or curdled milk and rub off   ~Leaves a tender, erythematous base   ~Patient is taking antibiotics, which may be disrupting the normal oral bacterial flora Management: Educate the patient and/or parents about the cause and nature of candidosis (candidiasis), stressing that it is best understood as an overgrowth of fungal organisms that many people harbor in their mouths.  Provide treatment options, including topical antifungal medications, and stress the importance of compliance, that is, using the medications properly.  Discuss the prognosis: The lesions may recur whenever the patient takes antibiotics but candidosis can be managed with antifungal medication. Final Diagnosis: Candidosis