Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What is a common procedure when assessing a white lesion on the lower lip?

1. Biopsy

2. Visual inspection

3. X-ray analysis

4. Blood test

The correct answer is: Biopsy

When assessing a white lesion on the lower lip, a biopsy is a common procedure due to its diagnostic value. A biopsy involves obtaining a small tissue sample from the lesion for histopathological examination. This is crucial in determining whether the lesion is benign or malignant, such as distinguishing between conditions like leukoplakia, which can be premalignant, and benign lesions. A definitive diagnosis can only be made through microscopic evaluation of the tissue, which provides insight into the cellular characteristics and potential dysplasia present in the lesion. Visual inspection alone, while important as an initial step, does not provide enough information to differentiate between various conditions that manifest as white lesions. X-ray analysis is not typically utilized for visualizing soft tissue lesions on the lip; it is more suited for assessing bone structures or dental issues. Similarly, blood tests do not pertain directly to the assessment of localized lesions on the lip and would not yield the necessary information to diagnose a lesion of this nature. Thus, performing a biopsy is the most effective and reliable method for evaluating such a lesion.