Pathology · single question
For the hairy tongue lesion on the dorsum, what diagnostic method (other than biopsy) would be used?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Transillumination
- A. Periapical radiographs are for teeth and bone — not soft tissue tongue lesions.
- B. Correct. TRANSILLUMINATION is used to evaluate soft tissue lesions of the tongue and oral cavity. By passing light through the tissue, lesions with altered density (cysts, calcifications) or vascular lesions can be identified. For hairy tongue (which involves filiform papilla hypertrophy), transillumination helps evaluate the lesion and distinguish it from other conditions.
- C. Cultures identify organisms but are not the first diagnostic step for hairy tongue identification.
- D. Serum blood tests are not specifically indicated for hairy tongue diagnosis.