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A Guide to Clinical Differential Diagnosis of Oral Mucosal Lesions

Course Number: 110

Mycotic Diseases-Candidosis (Candidiasis)

Candidosis (candidiasis) is caused by overgrowth of candidal organisms due to systemic and/or local factors.

Candidosis can occur in a variety of clinical forms:

  • Pseudomembranous (thrush): White plaques which rub off leaving an erythematous base. Pain, burning, and taste alterations are common.

Image: Candidosis (Candidiasis)

Candidosis (Candidiasis)

  • Acute atrophic (erythematous): Red mucosa accompanied by burning or pain.

  • Angular cheilitis: Cracks, crusts, pain in commissure area.

  • Chronic atrophic candidosis: Erythematous mucosa confined to denture bearing mucosa. Variably painful.

Image: Chronic Atrophic Candidosis

Chronic Atrophic Candidosis

  • Chronic hyperplastic candidosis: White epithelial thickening similar to leukoplakia.

Image: Chronic Hyperplastic Candidosis

Chronic Hyperplastic Candidosis

  • Median rhomboid glossitis: Erythematous patch anterior to circumvallate papillae.

Image: Median Rhomboid Glossitis

Median Rhomboid Glossitis

  • Mucocutaneous candidosis: May involve skin, oral and vaginal mucosa and nails. May be familial.

To view the Decision Tree for Oral Mucosal Lesions, click on one of the options shown.

To view the Decision Tree for Oral Mucosal Lesions, click on one of the options shown.