Pathology · single question
A maxillary premolar has a very dark appearance on the buccal surface. What is the most likely clinical diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Varix (varicosity)
- A. ✅ Correct. A varix is a dilated blood vessel appearing as a dark bluish-purple lesion on the buccal mucosa or tongue. It blanches on pressure. This dark buccal appearance in the premolar region is most consistent with a varix.
- B. ❌ Amalgam tattoo is possible but varix is more specific for a dark bluish lesion that may blanch on pressure.
- C. ❌ Melanotic macule is a flat brown-black pigmentation from melanin and is not specifically vascular or buccal-premolar associated.
- D. ❌ Vascular lesion is a broad term; varix is the specific entity.