Oral Thrush: An Entity With Diagnostic Dilemma

Candida albicans is a commensal found in the oral cavity. It is the most frequently encountered infection in the oral cavity which can be predisposed by a number of factors including most commonly compromised immunity, certain drugs, poor oral hygiene, and ill-fitting dentures. Clinical presentation involves whitish patches or erythema over the buccal mucosa, tongue, and palate depending on the type and occurrence of the condition. Oral physicians have a key role in the diagnosis of such lesions as they are well acquainted with their appearance and features. Prompt treatment can be advised once the lesion is diagnosed. This case report presents a male patient aged 65 years who reported to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology with a complaint of a burning sensation in the oral cavity for 4-5 days. On careful examination and based on the patient's past history, the diagnosis was given as acute pseudomembranous candidiasis. Candid mouth paint was advised which resolved the lesion and burning sensation completely. The primary takeaway from this case is that though candidiasis is routinely encountered in day-to-day practice, its diagnosis is usually missed due to its similarity with various other white lesions. Hence, the clinician must be acquainted well with lesions having diagnostic dilemmas as their appropriate diagnosis is crucial. Oral physicians play a vital role in cases of oral thrush in their diagnosis and accurate and prompt intervention.