Pathology · single question
Which condition presents as inflamed salivary duct openings appearing as red dots on the palate?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Nicotinic stomatitis
Nicotinic stomatitis is a classic finding in chronic smokers (especially pipe smokers). Heat from tobacco smoke causes palatal hyperkeratosis with scattered red dots representing inflamed minor salivary gland duct openings. It is heat u2014 not nicotine u2014 that causes the lesion.