**Core Concept**
The question is testing the anatomical knowledge of the tongue and its association with cancer. The correct answer requires an understanding of the tongue's anatomy, specifically the structures that are commonly involved in cancer.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The most common anatomical lesion of tongue cancer is the **ventral tongue**. This is due to the fact that the ventral tongue, which is the underside of the tongue, is primarily composed of mucous glands and is exposed to substances that can cause cancer, such as tobacco and alcohol. The ventral tongue also has a higher concentration of minor salivary glands, which are more prone to cancer.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The dorsal tongue is not the most common site for tongue cancer. While the dorsal tongue can be involved in cancer, it is less common than the ventral tongue.

**Option B:** The lateral tongue is not typically associated with the most common anatomical lesion of tongue cancer. The lateral tongue is more commonly involved in conditions such as glossitis.

**Option C:** The base of the tongue is not the most common site for tongue cancer. While the base of the tongue can be involved in cancer, particularly in the context of oropharyngeal cancer, it is not as common as the ventral tongue.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The ventral tongue is more prone to cancer due to its exposure to substances that can cause cancer, such as tobacco and alcohol. This is a key fact to remember when evaluating patients with tongue cancer.

**Correct Answer: D. Ventral tongue**