A 3.5 mm suspicious lesion is found on the lateral border of the tongue. What is the most appropriate first definitive step?

Correct answer: A. Biopsy

• A. Correct. The lateral tongue is a high-risk site; a persistent/suspicious lesion warrants biopsy for definitive diagnosis.
• B. Indefinite observation risks delaying diagnosis of a potential malignancy.
• C. Wide excision before a diagnosis is inappropriate and over-treats.
• D. Antibiotics don't address a potentially neoplastic lesion.