HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is the primary distinction of a pedunculated lesion?

1. It is flat and wide

2. It has a narrow stalk attachment

3. It is filled with fluid

4. It consists of elevated tissue

The correct answer is: It has a narrow stalk attachment

A pedunculated lesion is primarily distinguished by its narrow stalk attachment. This type of lesion extends from a base that is smaller in diameter compared to the overall size of the lesion itself, making it appear as though it is hanging or suspended from the surrounding tissue. The narrow stalk helps differentiate it from other types of lesions that may be flatter or more broad-based. In contrast, lesions that are flat and wide are typically referred to as sessile lesions, which do not have the narrow connection characteristic of pedunculated ones. Additionally, lesions that are filled with fluid usually indicate cystic formations rather than pedunculated lesions. Elevated tissue could refer to a broader category, including both pedunculated and sessile lesions without specifying the stalk feature, which is key to identifying a pedunculated lesion.