Differential Diagnosis for 79-year-old Female with Sore Throat and Tongue Bumps
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Oral Candidiasis: Given the patient's recent antibiotic use, which can disrupt the normal oral flora, and her age, which may affect her immune response, oral candidiasis is a common and likely diagnosis. The sore throat and bumps on the tongue could be indicative of a fungal infection, which is consistent with oral candidiasis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Viral Pharyngitis: This is a common cause of sore throat and could be accompanied by oral lesions or bumps on the tongue, especially in the context of a viral infection.
- Bacterial Pharyngitis: Although less likely given the recent antibiotic use, bacterial pharyngitis cannot be ruled out without further testing. The presence of bumps on the tongue could be related to the infection or a separate condition.
- Oral Lichen Planus or Other Mucosal Conditions: These conditions can cause lesions or bumps on the tongue and mucous membranes, and while not directly related to antibiotic use, could be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Agranulocytosis or Neutropenia: Although rare, these conditions can be life-threatening and are associated with severe infections, including those of the oral cavity. Recent antibiotic use could be a contributing factor or a consequence of an underlying condition.
- Lymphoma or Leukemia: These malignancies can present with oral lesions or sore throat and are critical to diagnose early. The recent antibiotic use might be unrelated but could also indicate an underlying immunocompromised state.
- Infectious Mononucleosis: Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, this condition can present with sore throat and might be accompanied by oral findings, including petechiae on the palate.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pemphigus or Pemphigoid: Autoimmune conditions that can cause oral blisters or lesions, which might be perceived as bumps on the tongue.
- Oral Hairy Leukoplakia: Typically seen in immunocompromised patients, this condition can cause white patches on the tongue and elsewhere in the mouth.
- Tongue Cancer or Other Oral Cancers: While rare, these conditions can present with bumps or lesions on the tongue and are critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.