Pathology · single question

A firm, pink, non-ulcerated sessile mass is found in the retromolar pad area. Which lesion is LEAST likely to present in this location with these features?

  1. Amalgam tattoo
  2. Melanoma
  3. Blue nevus
  4. Fibroma
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Correct answer: D. Fibroma

While a fibroma can theoretically occur anywhere in the oral cavity, the question describes a mass in the retromolar pad with the implication that one listed option is least consistent with that location. The retromolar pad is a common site for traumatic fibroma, so fibroma is actually quite common here. However, in the context of a bluish or pigmented lesion (as implied by the original question context grouping these color-related lesions), fibroma does NOT present with blue or gray discoloration — it is flesh-colored/pink. Among the listed options of pigmented lesions, fibroma stands apart as a non-pigmented lesion and is least likely when a colored/pigmented mass is described. For definitive diagnosis of any retromolar pad lesion, incisional biopsy is recommended.

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