skip to main content

White Sponge Naevus — NDEB AFK MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardOral PathologyWhite Sponge NaevusNDEB AFK

A white sponge naevus is a hereditary condition affecting the oral mucosa. It is characterised by which features?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: E — Bilateral white corrugated plaques on the buccal mucosa present from birth or early childhood, benign, autosomal dominant inheritance, caused by keratin 4 or 13 gene mutations

White sponge naevus (Cannon disease) is an autosomal dominant condition caused by mutations in the keratin 4 (KRT4) or keratin 13 (KRT13) genes. It presents as bilateral, white, thick, folded/corrugated mucosal plaques, most commonly on the buccal mucosa but also on other mucosal sites (tongue, floor of mouth, labial mucosa). It is present from birth or early childhood, is benign with no malignant potential, and requires no treatment. Histologically, it shows epithelial thickening with intracellular oedema and perinuclear condensation of tonofilaments in the spinous layer.

Reference: Neville – Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, 4th ed., 2016