Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

A benign mass in the mandibular angle is likely to be which of the following?

1. Osteoma

2. Pleomorphic adenoma

3. Ameloblastoma

4. Neurilemmoma

The correct answer is: Pleomorphic adenoma

A benign mass in the mandibular angle is most commonly classified as a pleomorphic adenoma, particularly when considering the potential for it to arise in salivary gland tissues. The mandibular angle is in proximity to the submandibular gland, where pleomorphic adenomas are known to occur. These tumors are generally slow-growing and can be asymptomatic for a period, which aligns with the characteristics often observed in benign lesions in this region. Pleomorphic adenoma is characterized by its mixture of epithelial and mesenchymal components, contributing to its varied presentation. In the context of the submandibular gland and its anatomical relation to the mandibular angle, the occurrence of such a mass typically indicates a pleomorphic adenoma. Other options, while also benign, are less likely to present specifically in the mandibular angle. For example, osteomas, which are bone-forming tumors, may appear in the mandible but are less prevalent at the angle. Ameloblastomas, although they are benign odontogenic tumors, often manifest more within the posterior mandible and are not classically described as occurring specifically at the angle. Neurilemmomas are nerve sheath tumors that might arise in various locations, including the mandibular nerve area, but are