Pharynx, Palate, And Oral Mucosa

Front 1

Large Normal Tonsils

Back 1

Normal tonsil maybe large without being infected, especially in children. They may protrude medially beyond the pillars and eve to the midline. Here they touch the sides of the uvula and obscure the pharynx. Their color is within normal limits. The white marks are light reflections, not exudate.

Front 2

Exudative Tolsilitis

Back 2

This red throat has a white exudate on the tonsils. This, together with fever and enlarged cervical nodes, increases the probablity of group A streptococcal infection, or infections mononucleosis. Some anterior cervical lymph nodes are usually enlarged in the former, posterior nodes in the latter.

Front 3

Pharyngitis

Back 3

Reddened throats without exudate. Redness and vascularity of the pillars and uvula are mild to moderate. Redness is diffuse and intense. Each patient would probably complain of a sore throat, or at least a scratchy one. Possible causes include several kinds of viruses and bacteria. If the patient has no fever, exudate, or enlargement of cervical lymph node, the chances of infection by either of two common causes - group A streptococci and Epstein-Barr virus (infectious mononucleosis)-are very small

Front 4

Diptheria

Back 4

(an acute infection caused by Corynebacterium diptheriae) is now rare but still important. Prompt diagnosis may lead to life-saving treatment. The throat is dull red, and a gray exudate (pseudomembrane) is preset on the uvula, pharynx, and tongue. The airway may become obstructed.

Front 5

Thrush on the Palate (Candidiasis)

Back 5

Thrus is a yeast infection due to Candida. On the palate, it may appear elsewhere in the mouth. Thick, white plaques are somewhat adherent to the underlying mucosa. Predisposing factors include (1) prolonged treatment with antibiotics or corticosteroids, and (2) AIDS.

Front 6

Kaposi's Sarcoma in AIDS

Back 6

The deep purple color of these lesions, although not necessarily presnet, strongly suggests Kaposi's sarcoma. The lesions may be raised or flat. Among people with AIDS, the palate as illustrated here, is a common site for this tumor.

Front 7

Torus Palatinus

Back 7

Is a midline bony growth in the hard palate that is fairly common in adults. Its size and lobulation vary. Although alarming at first glance, it is harmless. In this example, an upper denture has been fitted around the torus.

Front 8

Fordyce Spots

Back 8

Koplik's spots are an early sign of measles (rubeola). Search for small white specks that resemble grains of salt on a red background. They usually appear on the buccal mucosa near the first and second molars. In this photo, look aslo in the upper third of the mucosa. The rash of measles appears whithin a day.

Front 9

Petachiae

Back 9

Small red spots that result when blood escapes from capillaries into the tissues. Petachiae in the buccal mucosa, as shown, are often caused by accidentally biting the cheek. Oral petachiae may be due to infection or decreased platelets, as well as to trauma.

Front 10

Leukoplakia

Back 10

A thickened white patch may occur anywhere in the oral mucosa. May result from frequent chewing of tobacco, or a local irritant. This kind of irritation may lead to cancer.