Surgical Questions and Answers

Free Medical and Surgical Questions And Answers

1. What can you tell from examination of the mouth about local manifestations of diseases elsewhere?

Correct answer:

Intrabuccal signs of more widespread diseases include: the smooth tongue of pernicious anaemia; the ulcerated fauces of agranulocytosis or severe glandular fever; the hemiatrophy of the tongue in hypoglossal nerve palsy; the pigmentation of Addison’s disease; the pigmented spots of the Peutz-Jeghers syndrome; and gingivitis, swollen bleeding gums and loosened teeth of vitamin C deficiency.