Pathology · single question
A patient complaints of unilateral vesicles formation in the hard palate. What is the diagnosis?
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Correct answer: A. Herpes Zoster (shingles)
- A. HERPES ZOSTER (shingles) presents as UNILATERAL vesicles following a dermatomal distribution. In the oral cavity, it follows the trigeminal nerve distribution — hard palate lesions are UNILATERAL (crossing the midline is a red flag against this diagnosis). It is caused by reactivation of VZV in the dorsal root ganglia. Patients are typically older or immunocompromised. Treatment: antiviral (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) within 72 hours of onset.
- B. VZV is the virus, but the specific DISEASE in an adult with unilateral palatal vesicles following a dermatomal pattern is called Herpes Zoster — see option B.
- C. Pemphigus vulgaris causes BILATERAL bullae and ulcers from intraepithelial acantholysis — not unilateral vesicles following a dermatomal pattern.
- D. Candidiasis presents as white pseudomembranous plaques or red erythematous areas — NOT as vesicles. Vesicles = viral.