When Oral Lesions Look Alike
Learn how to distinguish recurrent aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris and why an accurate diagnosis matters.
Which condition is considered a diagnosis of exclusion?
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Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is considered a diagnosis of exclusion because other potential causes, including nutritional deficiencies and systemic conditions, must be ruled out.
Which finding is a hallmark of oral lichen planus?
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Wickham striae are a characteristic lacelike pattern associated with oral lichen planus and may accompany ulceration, erythema, or desquamation.
Which diagnostic approach is considered the gold standard for pemphigus vulgaris?
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Pemphigus vulgaris is diagnosed through an incisional biopsy of oral or skin tissue followed by routine hematoxylin-eosin staining and direct immunofluorescence staining.