Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What hematological condition is suggested by inflamed gingiva in a 14-year-old?

1. Iron-deficiency anemia

2. Leukemia

3. Thrombocytopenia

4. Polycythemia

The correct answer is: Leukemia

Inflamed gingiva in a 14-year-old can suggest several underlying issues, but one of the most concerning conditions is leukemia. In leukemia, particularly in children and adolescents, there is an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells, which can lead to various systemic symptoms, including changes in the oral cavity. Inflammation of the gingiva, often presented as gingival hyperplasia or bleeding gums, can occur due to the accumulation of leukemic cells in the gingival tissues. This manifests as swollen, red, and sometimes painful gums due to the infiltration of these abnormal cells, impaired immune function, and decreased platelet production. Moreover, patients with leukemia may also present with signs of systemic illness such as fatigue, fever, or unexplained bruising, which can help in distinguishing this condition. While other conditions such as iron-deficiency anemia, thrombocytopenia, and polycythemia may also cause some degree of gingival inflammation, they typically do not present with the same pronounced symptoms or the degree of oral involvement seen in leukemia. For instance, iron-deficiency anemia may lead to pallor or angular cheilitis, but it is less commonly associated with significant gingival changes. Thrombocytopenia could cause bleeding gums due to low