Clinical meaning
Oral Candidiasis involves pathology of the oral cavity, including mucosal diseases, dental-related conditions, and oropharyngeal infections. Oral Candidiasis evaluation requires inspection of oral mucosa, tongue, gingiva, dentition, and oropharynx with understanding of systemic disease manifestations in the oral cavity.
Diagnosis & workup
Diagnostics & workup: - Oral cavity examination with adequate lighting - Biopsy of persistent oral lesions (>2 weeks) - KOH preparation for fungal evaluation - Viral culture or PCR for herpetic lesions - CBC and HIV testing for recurrent oral infections - Oral cytology or brush biopsy - Referral for unexplained persistent oral lesions
Risk factors: - Immunosuppression (HIV, transplant, chemotherapy) - Diabetes mellitus with impaired mucosal healing - Denture use with mucosal irritation - Inhaled corticosteroid use without mouth rinsing - Antibiotic use disrupting oral flora - Tobacco and alcohol use - Poor oral hygiene