Start practicing

Pathology · single question

A 3×3 mm raised lesion on the attached gingiva associated with tooth #8, with a draining sinus tract, is a parulis. It indicates:

  1. Benign migratory glossitis
  2. A chronic periapical (endodontic) abscess draining through a sinus tract
  3. A salivary gland tumor
  4. Plaque-induced gingivitis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. A chronic periapical (endodontic) abscess draining through a sinus tract

  • A. Incorrect – that is geographic tongue, a dorsal-tongue condition.
  • B. Correct – a parulis ('gum boil') is the soft-tissue opening of a sinus tract draining a non-vital tooth's periapical infection; the radiolucency DDx includes periapical granuloma/cyst/abscess.
  • C. Incorrect – no minor glands on attached gingiva; wrong location.
  • D. Incorrect – generalized marginal inflammation, not a focal draining nodule.

Practice Pathology questions Pathology study notes

More Pathology practice questions