CDCA Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Practice Exam

Hereditary telangiectasia, also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is characterized by the presence of small dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias) in various tissues, including the oral cavity. The hallmark oral manifestation of this condition is blanching, which refers to the lightening of the color of the tissue, particularly when pressure is applied. This happens because the dilated vessels compress and temporarily reduce blood flow, causing the affected area to appear pale.

Blanching in the oral cavity typically occurs in areas where these telangiectasias are present, and it's important to recognize this feature during clinical examinations since it can aid in the diagnosis of hereditary telangiectasia. Understanding this manifestation is crucial for healthcare professionals as it assists in identifying the condition early, which can lead to better management and screening for related complications, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or pulmonary arteriovenous malformations.

The other options listed do not specifically represent the primary oral manifestation associated with hereditary telangiectasia. For example, ulceration is not a characteristic feature, and while enlargement might refer to the general size of lesions, it isn't the defining property of telangiectasias. Similarly, fibrosis is not typical in this context