A photo shows a round, smooth, non-ulcerated nodule on the lateral surface of the tongue. All of the following could be this lesion EXCEPT:

Correct answer: C. Verruca vulgaris

• A. Incorrect. Schwannoma (neurilemmoma) CAN present as a smooth, well-demarcated, rounded tongue mass arising from nerve sheath cells.
• B. Incorrect. Lipoma (benign fatty tumor) CAN present as a smooth, soft, yellow-tinged round mass on the tongue.
• C. CORRECT. Verruca vulgaris presents as a CAULIFLOWER-LIKE (papillary/exophytic) surface lesion with a rough, warty texture — NOT a smooth, round nodule. Its distinctive papillary architecture differentiates it from smooth nodular masses. Verruca vulgaris is the EXCEPTION that does NOT fit the clinical description.
• D. Incorrect. Pleomorphic adenoma can occur in minor salivary glands of the tongue and presents as a smooth, firm, well-circumscribed nodule.