Author: Molly Housley Smith, D.M.D.

Oral examination of a patient reveals an asymmetric 4 mm red nodule at the dorsal tongue base. The patient is asymptomatic and was unaware of the finding. Biopsy of the lesion is shown. Which of the following is true regarding the diagnosis?

A. Diagnosis of this entity relies heavily on immunohistochemical findings

B. Diagnosis represents reactive hyperplasia of a normal structure

C. Significant clinical follow up is recommended, since malignant transformation occurs in the majority of patients with this finding

D. This entity is more commonly found in older adults