Which of the following is NOT considered a benign oral finding?

Which of the following is NOT considered a benign oral finding?

• A. A patch of leukoplakia
• B. Fordyce spots
• C. Torus palatinus
• D. Fishtail uvula

Answer: (A)

Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches that can develop on the oral mucosa, and it is important to recognize that while it can sometimes be benign, it may also represent a precancerous condition. Therefore, the presence of leukoplakia warrants further evaluation to rule out malignancy. This is why it is correctly identified as not being a benign oral finding in this context. Other options listed are well-documented benign findings: Fordyce spots are small, painless, pale bumps that represent sebaceous glands and are not harmful. Torus palatinus is a bony growth in the midline of the hard palate and is considered a normal anatomical variation without clinical significance. The fishtail uvula, which is a variation in the morphology of the uvula, is typically harmless as well. Each of these conditions represents benign and often common anatomical variants or normal physiological phenomena in the oral cavity.

Leukoplakia is characterized by white patches that can develop on the oral mucosa, and it is important to recognize that while it can sometimes be benign, it may also represent a precancerous condition. Therefore, the presence of leukoplakia warrants further evaluation to rule out malignancy. This is why it is correctly identified as not being a benign oral finding in this context.

Other options listed are well-documented benign findings: Fordyce spots are small, painless, pale bumps that represent sebaceous glands and are not harmful. Torus palatinus is a bony growth in the midline of the hard palate and is considered a normal anatomical variation without clinical significance. The fishtail uvula, which is a variation in the morphology of the uvula, is typically harmless as well. Each of these conditions represents benign and often common anatomical variants or normal physiological phenomena in the oral cavity.