Etiology and Pathophysiology
Contributory factors :
Prevalence
- Most commonly presented in patients with poor immune system function
Histological Features
- Hyphae penetrate the epithelium up to the spinous cell layer
- Presence of oedema
- Micro-abscesses containing polymorphonuclear leukocytes wtihin the outer layers of the epithelium
- Deeper parts of the epithelium show acanthosis and inflammatory infiltrate
Clinical Features
- Semi-adherent, whitish, soft and cream, drop-like or confluent patches. They can be removed, leading to a red and slightly bleeding surface
- Lesions may recur in patients using corticosteroids, HIV or immunocompromised
Location
Acute form: Palate, dorsum of the tongue, buccal mucsoa Chronic form: Palate, oropharynx, dorsum of tongue
Appearance
Differential Diagnoses
Relevant Clinical Investigations
Patient Management
- stop topical corticosteroids for 2 weeks
- apply topical antifungals (miconazole gel preferred, amphotericin lozenges if contraindication)
- resume corticosteroids