Pathology · single question
For the patient with denture stomatitis from Candida albicans and liver cirrhosis, what is the BEST initial treatment?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Topical antifungal therapy (nystatin/miconazole)
Topical antifungal is first-line for denture stomatitis — avoids systemic hepatotoxicity risk in a patient with liver cirrhosis.
- A. Surgical removal is not indicated for infectious/inflammatory denture stomatitis.
- B. Systemic fluconazole is metabolized by the liver and requires caution in patients with liver cirrhosis (hepatotoxicity risk). Topical therapy avoids systemic risk for initial treatment.
- C. A new denture may eventually be needed if tissue is refractory to treatment, but treating the infection first is the clinical priority.
- D. CORRECT. Topical antifungal therapy (nystatin gel/pastilles or miconazole applied to the fitting surface of the denture) is first-line treatment. In a patient with liver disease, topical therapy is preferred to minimize hepatotoxic risk.