Pathology · single question
A 45-year-old male with alcoholic liver cirrhosis wearing a partial denture presents with erythema beneath the denture base. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Denture stomatitis from Candida albicans
Erythema beneath a denture in an immunocompromised patient (liver cirrhosis) = denture stomatitis from Candida albicans.
- A. Oral cancer can occur in high-risk patients but presents as indurated, non-healing ulcer or mass — not diffuse erythema under a denture.
- B. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis presents as discrete painful ulcers with white/yellow base and red halo — not diffuse denture-base erythema.
- C. CORRECT. Denture stomatitis (Type II diffuse erythema) caused by Candida albicans is the most likely diagnosis. Liver cirrhosis compromises immunity, and the warm, moist denture-bearing surface creates an ideal candidal environment.
- D. Traumatic ulcers are localized, not diffuse erythema under the entire denture base.