Table 7-23 Findings in the Pharynx, Palate, and Oral Mucosa

Exudative Tonsillitis

red throat with white exudate with fever and enlarged cervical nodes increases probability of Strep A infection or mono with anterior cervical lymph nodes enlarged in former and posterior nodes in the latter

Pharyngitis

reddened throat without exudate sore throat scratchy throat viral or bacterial No fever, exudate or enlargement of cervical lymph nodes chances of infection by either Group A or Epstein Barr virus are reduced

Petechiae

small red spots caused by blood that escapes from capillaries into the tissues often caused by accidental biting of the cheek may be due to infection or decreased platelets and trauma

Kaposi Sarcoma in AIDS

deep purple color low-grade vascular tumor associated with HSV 8 lesions flat or raised

Koplik Spots

early sign of measles (rubeola) small white specks that resemble grains of salt on red background usually appear on buccal mucosa near first and second molars

Torus Palatinus

midline bony growth in the hard palate that is fairly common in adults size and lobulations vary harmless, but alarming

Fordyce Spots (Fordyce Granules)

normal sebaceous glands that appear as small yellowish spots in the buccal mucosa or on the lips usually not numerous

Diphtheria

acute infection caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae throat is dull red gray exudate (pseudomembrane) present on uvula pharynx and tongue airway obstructed sometimes

Leukoplakia

thickened white patch frequent chewing tobacco benign reactive process of the squamous epithelium may lead to cancer should be biopsied HPV increases risk

Thrush on the Palate (Candidiasis)

yeast infection from Cadida species thick, white plaques adherent to the underlying mucosa prolonged treatment with abx or steroids and AIDs predispose you