A patient presented with a 1×1.5 cms growth on the lateral border of the tongue. The treatment indicated would be:
**Core Concept**
The question is testing the management of a specific type of oral lesion, specifically a growth on the lateral border of the tongue. This growth is most likely a squamous cell carcinoma or a papilloma. The underlying principle being tested is the appropriate approach to diagnosing and treating oral lesions.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The growth on the lateral border of the tongue is a high-risk site for cancer, and a 1x1.5 cm size is concerning for malignancy. The correct approach is to excise the lesion with a margin of normal tissue, which is characteristic of a biopsy or excisional biopsy. This approach allows for definitive diagnosis and treatment. The lesion is likely to be a squamous cell carcinoma, and excisional biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because a fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is not sufficient for diagnosing a 1x1.5 cm growth on the lateral border of the tongue, which is a high-risk site for cancer. FNAC may not provide adequate tissue for diagnosis.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because a incisional biopsy is not the best approach for a 1x1.5 cm growth on the lateral border of the tongue. Incisional biopsy is typically used for larger lesions, and excisional biopsy is preferred for smaller lesions.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because a complete surgical excision of the tongue is not indicated for a 1x1.5 cm growth on the lateral border of the tongue. This approach would be overly aggressive and result in significant morbidity.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the lateral border of the tongue is a high-risk site for oral cancer, and any growth in this area should be taken seriously. A high index of suspicion and prompt excisional biopsy are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.
**Correct Answer: C. Excisional biopsy is the preferred approach for a 1x1.5 cm growth on the lateral border of the tongue, allowing for definitive diagnosis and treatment.**