When examining a swollen lesion on the tongue, what is the first step you should take?

In the evaluation of a swollen lesion on the tongue, the initial step should focus on gathering essential information about the lesion. Palpation is a crucial part of the assessment process, as it allows for the evaluation of the lesion's texture, firmness, and any associated tenderness. This hands-on examination can help determine whether the growth is soft or hard, which is vital in forming a clinical impression and understanding potential underlying issues.

Recognizing the characteristics of the lesion through palpation can help differentiate among various conditions, such as inflammation, infection, or neoplasia, leading to more accurate diagnoses. This initial assessment can also guide subsequent actions, whether they are further investigations, treatment decisions, or referrals.

In this context, the other steps, while important, do not replace the need for a thorough initial physical examination through palpation. Documenting the appearance may come after initial assessment, while prescribing medication or referring to a specialist should be based on the findings from the palpation and further evaluation of the lesion.