Pathology · single question
Nodule on buccal mucosa that blanches with pressure. Diagnosis:
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Correct answer: A. Varix (venous varicosity)
- A. Correct. A varix is a dilated, blood-filled venous lesion that characteristically blanches (empties of blood) with applied pressure — the key diagnostic clinical sign.
- B. An amalgam tattoo does NOT blanch with pressure since it represents embedded metal particles in the tissue, not a vascular lesion.
- C. Melanoma also does not blanch with pressure (pigment is melanin, not blood) and presents with more concerning features (irregular borders, rapid growth).
- D. A fibroma is a firm fibrous nodule that does not blanch with pressure since it's not a vascular lesion.