Oral Candidiasis — ORE Part 1 MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: E — Pseudomembranous candidiasis
Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · B = shown as C · E = shown as D · A = shown as E
The correct answer is A (Pseudomembranous candidiasis). The clinical presentation—white plaques on the palate that are easily wiped away to reveal an erythematous base—is pathognomonic for pseudomembranous candidiasis (oral thrush). This presentation is typical in patients on long-term systemic corticosteroids, which suppress local and systemic immunity. The removability of the plaques is the key discriminating sign. Leukoplakia (B), oral lichen planus (C), chemical burn (D), and frictional keratosis (E) are all non-removable white lesions or disorders without the characteristic erythematous base revealed by gentle wiping. Lichen planus presents with adherent reticular patterns; leukoplakia is dysplastic and adherent; chemical burn and frictional keratosis are associated with different aetiologies and are not scrapable.
Reference: RCS England Faculty Dental Journal, 'Oral white lesions: who, what, where, when, how and why?', 2024. https://publishing.rcseng.ac.uk/doi/10.1308/rcsfdj.2024.10