Q: This type of swelling is a(n):
A. Ranula
B. Mucocele
C. Exostosis
D. Ulcer
The image shows a rounded elevation that looks like it may contain some fluid and is located on the lower lip.
- A mucocele is a benign, mucus-containing cystic lesion of the minor salivary gland. It can appear with any minor salivary glands, but the most common location is the lower lip.
- A ranula is also mucus-containing cystic lesion but is related to the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands. For this reason, the swelling appears under the tongue.
- An ulcer can appear on any movable part of the oral mucosa in response to trauma. The lesion is usually yellow with red borders and is flat (not elevated).
- Exostosis is the overgrowth of normal compact bone on the buccal aspect of the maxilla or mandible.
Answer: (B). Mucocele
It is always important to associate our knowledge about oral pathology with their clinical appearance for the DANB® Exams such as (NELDA® Exam, AMP Exam, GC Exam) because the case studies may have photographs. In this case, the location (lower lip) was the most important clue to the answer.
Preparing for one of the most important examinations you will ever take in your life is not easy. I have been there, and so did our co-founder (dentist). Many doubts may come your way. But know that by reading the mini-reviews, you are doing something good for yourself.
Share the words with your friends too, they may appreciate that you are pointed them in the right direction.
If there is a topic you would like to see on SmarterDA, please email me at ClaireJ@SmarterDA.com. Have another great week!
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Author: Claire RDH, MS
Claire is the founder of StudentRDH and SmarterDA – exams prep solutions for the dental hygiene and dental assisting students. The exam review online solutions quickly became the #1 choice among students. “Studying is now addictive!” Prior to her career in the dental field, Claire was an education specialist at Boston Children’s Museum. Claire is licensed to practice in the United States and Canada.
Disclaimer: DANB®, NELDA® are registered trademarks of the Dental Assisting National Board, Inc. (“DANB”). This article is not sponsored or endorsed by or affiliated with the DANB.