Pathology · single question
A patient presents with a firm, smooth, pink, sessile nodule on the buccal mucosa that is asymptomatic and has been present for several years. Based on clinical features, what is the most likely diagnosis?
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Correct answer: A. Fibroma (irritation fibroma)
Fibromas (irritation fibromas or traumatic fibromas) are the most common benign soft tissue tumors of the oral cavity. They present as firm, smooth, well-defined, pink or normal-colored nodules, typically sessile or pedunculated, and are most common on the buccal mucosa along the occlusal line. They result from chronic low-grade trauma or irritation, are asymptomatic, and do not change in size significantly over time. Pyogenic granulomas are soft, red, and bleed easily; mucoceles are soft and bluish; and squamous cell carcinoma presents with irregular, indurated, ulcerated lesions.