Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Pemphigus vulgaris is primarily characterized by the development of erosive lesions in the oral cavity, making the identification of this feature crucial for diagnosis. In pemphigus vulgaris, antibodies target desmogleins, which are proteins essential for cell adhesion in the epidermis and mucous membranes. This results in the formation of blisters that can rupture, leading to painful erosive lesions. These lesions may precede skin manifestations and are often one of the first signs observed, especially in the oral cavity.

Other choices present either associations that do not typically correlate with pemphigus vulgaris or features that are not characteristic. For example, systemic lupus erythematosus is a distinct autoimmune condition and is not commonly associated with pemphigus vulgaris. Acanthosis, which involves thickening of the skin, is not a typical histological feature of pemphigus vulgaris, as this condition is primarily characterized by acantholysis, which leads to loss of connections between keratinocytes. Lastly, pemphigus vulgaris can affect both males and females, but it does not show a significant predilection towards either gender, making it incorrect to categorize it as commonly seen in males.