A Small Nodule on the Lateral Tongue

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

This 71-year-old white male presented for routine dental prophylaxis and oral examination. He reported the recent development of a small growth on the left posterior lateral border of his tongue, which had not been present at his last visit. The patient indicated the lesion was not painful but had slowly increased in size over the past two to three months.

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