Asymptomatic pinkish-red nodule over the posterolateral tongue

A young otherwise healthy male presented with asymptomatic pinkish-red nodule over postero-lateral tongue with the suspicion of having developed oral cancer. Biopsy from the lesion showed multiple circumscribed nodules in the lamina propria comprised of numerous oval and spindle-shaped cells. Abundant lymphatic tissue with germinal centres were also observed. Differentials included mucosal neuroma, traumatic neuroma, subgemmal neurogenous plaque, neurofibroma, and lingual tonsils. This quiz discusses the diagnosis and approach to the differential diagnoses in such a clinical setting.