A Nodular Lesion of the Tongue

The following Case Challenge is provided in conjunction with the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.

A 45-year old white male was referred with a chief complaint of a solitary, occasionally painful soft tissue nodule that had been present for approximately 6 months on the right tongue dorsum. He stated he initially noted the lesion after minor trauma to the site. He anticipated spontaneous resolution, but the lesion has persisted and remained stable in size for the past 4 months.

After you have finished reviewing the available diagnostic information, make the diagnosis.