Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

Which disease is associated with diffuse pigmentation on the floor of the mouth and ventral tongue?

1. Cushing's Disease

2. Thyroiditis

3. Addison's Disease

4. Graves Disease

The correct answer is: Addison's Disease

The association of diffuse pigmentation on the floor of the mouth and ventral tongue is notably linked to Addison's Disease. This condition, also known as primary adrenal insufficiency, results from the underproduction of hormones from the adrenal glands, particularly cortisol. One of the hallmark signs of Addison's Disease is hyperpigmentation of the skin and mucous membranes, which occurs due to an increase in adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to low cortisol levels. ACTH has a similar structure to melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), which stimulates melanocytes to produce more melanin, leading to the observed pigmentation changes. Other conditions listed do not present with this specific mucosal pigmentation. For instance, Cushing's Disease is characterized by excess cortisol and often results in features such as weight gain and skin changes, but it does not cause diffuse pigmentation in the same way. Thyroiditis, which involves inflammation of the thyroid gland, does not typically have a direct relationship with oral pigmentation. Similarly, Graves Disease, an autoimmune disorder leading to hyperthyroidism, is primarily associated with symptoms such as goiter and ocular issues rather than mucosal pigmentation. Thus, Addison's Disease is the correct association for diffuse pigmentation on the floor of the