Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What condition is indicated by brown spots on the palate and face in a 27-year-old patient?

1. Melanoma

2. Kaposii's sarcoma

3. Acanthosis nigricans

4. Fungal infection

The correct answer is: Kaposii's sarcoma

The presence of brown spots on the palate and face in a 27-year-old patient is indicative of Kaposi's sarcoma, which is a type of cancer that often presents as lesions on the skin and mucous membranes. These lesions can appear as purple, red, or brown spots and are caused by the human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Kaposi's sarcoma is particularly associated with immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS, but can occur in other contexts as well. The appearance of these brown spots is not typical of conditions like melanoma, which usually presents as pigmented lesions that may change in size or shape and are primarily found on sun-exposed skin. Similarly, acanthosis nigricans usually manifests as a velvety thickening of the skin, often in body folds, and is associated with insulin resistance rather than distinct brown spots. Fungal infections do not typically result in brown spots on the palate and face; they are more common in areas of skin that are moist and may result in rashes or scaling rather than distinct lesions. Therefore, given the specific presentation and context provided, Kaposi's sarcoma is the most appropriate match for the described symptoms.