Pathology · single question
A small, smooth, dome-shaped lesion at the junction of the hard and soft palate. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Incisive cyst
- A. Incorrect. Incisive canal cysts occur at the anterior midline palate near the incisive foramen, not at the hard-soft palate junction.
- B. Incorrect. Granular cell tumors typically appear on the tongue, not the palate junction.
- C. Incorrect. Central giant cell lesions are intraosseous and would appear as radiolucencies, not submucosal domes.
- D. Correct. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign salivary gland tumor and most commonly arises at the junction of the hard and soft palate from minor salivary glands. It presents as a smooth, painless, dome-shaped mass.