60 year old man presents with an ulcer on lateral margin of tongue also complains of ear pain, most probable diagnosis is –
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the ability to diagnose a condition that affects both the oral cavity and the ear. The underlying principle is the association between oral and otic manifestations of a systemic disease. The most likely condition is a form of vasculitis that affects the blood vessels supplying the tongue and the ear.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is likely an example of **Recurrent Aphthous Ulceration (RAU)**, also known as **Major Aphthous Ulceration**, which is a manifestation of **Behçet's Disease**. Behçet's Disease is a form of vasculitis that affects the blood vessels and can present with oral ulcers, genital ulcers, skin lesions, and eye inflammation. The presence of an ulcer on the lateral margin of the tongue, along with ear pain, is consistent with this diagnosis. The pathophysiology involves inflammation of the blood vessels, leading to ischemia and ulceration of the affected tissues.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is likely incorrect because it does not specify a condition that affects both the oral cavity and the ear. A diagnosis of oral candidiasis or angular cheilitis would not explain the ear pain.
**Option B:** This option is likely incorrect because it does not specify a condition that affects the blood vessels. A diagnosis of oral lichen planus would not explain the ear pain or the vasculitic nature of the condition.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Behçet's Disease is a form of vasculitis that can affect any organ, and the oral and genital ulcers are often the first manifestations of the disease. The condition is more common in young adults and has a higher prevalence in certain geographic regions, such as Turkey and Japan.
**Correct Answer:** C.