**Question:** A 5cm suspicious looking lesion of oral mucosa should be:

A. excised for histopathological examination
B. ignored as it is a common viral infection
C. treated with local corticosteroid therapy
D. referred to a dentist for further evaluation

**Core Concept:** Suspicious looking oral mucosal lesions refer to abnormal changes in the oral mucosa that may indicate the presence of an underlying disease or malignancy. These lesions require proper evaluation to confirm or rule out a pathological condition.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** A 5cm suspicious looking lesion should be excised for histopathological examination (option A) because:

1. Histopathology allows for accurate diagnosis and differentiation between benign lesions, precursor lesions, and malignant lesions.
2. It provides crucial information about the nature of the lesion, its depth, and its relation to surrounding structures.
3. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better prognosis and higher survival rates in case of malignancies.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**

Option B is incorrect because:

1. Viral infections of the oral mucosa typically present with specific clinical manifestations and may not require excision for diagnosis.
2. Ignoring the lesion may lead to late diagnosis and poorer prognosis.

Option C is incorrect because:

1. Local corticosteroid therapy is not specific to oral mucosal lesions and may not provide accurate diagnosis or treatment.
2. Treating the lesion without proper evaluation may delay the diagnosis and proper management.

Option D is incorrect because:

1. Dentists may not have the expertise to accurately diagnose and manage lesions within the oral cavity.
2. Referral to a dentist without proper evaluation may lead to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

**Clinical Pearl:** Suspicious oral mucosal lesions should be managed by a qualified oral or head and neck surgeon for proper diagnosis and management. Early detection and treatment lead to better outcomes and patient care.