Which of the following is not a clinical indication for further examination if a mass is detected?

When evaluating a detected mass, the presence of nearby caries is not typically a clinical indication for further examination of the mass itself. Other factors, like the presence of pain, the patient's age, and the size of the mass, can provide critical insight into the potential malignancy or the need for further intervention.

Pain accompanying a mass might suggest an inflammatory process or an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, prompting further examination. Similarly, a patient's age can alter the risk profile for certain conditions; for instance, older patients might have a higher risk of malignant masses. The size of the mass is crucial as well, since larger masses often require additional investigation due to a higher likelihood of serious pathology.

In contrast, while the presence of caries might warrant attention in terms of dental health, it does not directly correlate with the assessment of the mass in question. Therefore, it is not considered a relevant clinical indication that would necessitate further examination of the mass.