Cobblestoning erythema of the palate is most often seen in which condition?

• A. Denture stomatitis
• B. Herpes stomatitis
• C. Pemphigoid
• D. Lichen planus

Answer: (A)

Cobblestoning of the palate reflects inflammatory papillary hyperplasia that commonly occurs with denture use. Chronic irritation from a denture, often with Candida involvement, can make the palatal mucosa under the denture erythematous and, in areas where the mucosa thickens into papillae, develop a pebbled, cobblestone surface. This pattern is characteristic of denture stomatitis and its related palatal hyperplasia.

The other conditions don’t typically present with this cobblestone palatal texture. Herpes stomatitis shows painful vesicles and ulcers rather than a raised, pebble-like appearance. Pemphigoid produces bullae and erosions rather than a hyperplastic, textured palate. Lichen planus often has Wickham’s striae and a different mucosal pattern rather than cobblestoned papillae.