Featured Patient Case #11

Contributor: Dr. Joyce Lee

A 65-year-old Caucasian female presents with an asymptomatic lesion of the left lateral tongue.

Which of the following should be included on the differential diagnosis?

Chemical burn

Irritation fibroma

Squamous cell carcinoma

All of the above

B and C

What is the most appropriate next step for the management of this lesion?

Excisional biopsy

Re-evaluate in 3 months

Incisional biopsy

Fabricate an occlusal night guard

Based on the histopathology what is the correct diagnosis?

Chemical burn

Irritation fibroma

Hyperkeratosis

Severe dysplasia

Squamous cell carcinoma

How is this lesion best managed?

Periodic follow-up after the diagnosis

Laser ablation of the biopsy site

Topical corticosteroids

Surgical excision, with possible radiation and chemotherapy

Radiation only