Question

The most common site of carcinoma of the tongue is

• A. Posterior one-third
• B. Dorsum of anterior two-third
• C. Ventral surface of anterior two-third
• D. Lateral border of anterior two-third

Hint:

Think about which surface of the tongue stays in contact with tobacco, betel quid, and saliva the longest.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the single most common location within the oral tongue where squamous cell carcinoma arises. This is a basic head-and-neck oncology fact tested across surgery and ENT.

Step 2: Key Concept or Approach:
Carcinoma of the tongue is almost always a squamous cell carcinoma, and it shows a strong preference for the mobile anterior two-thirds of the tongue, particularly its lateral and ventrolateral surface, the region most exposed to pooled saliva, tobacco, and areca-nut or betel-quid chewing habits, and where the mucosa is thinnest.

Step 3: Working Through the Options:
Growths on the posterior one-third do occur but are less common and behave more like oropharyngeal cancer with early nodal spread, so this is not the commonest site. The dorsum of the anterior two-thirds is a relatively protected surface and is an uncommon site for carcinoma. The ventral surface of the anterior two-thirds is also involved less often than the lateral border. The lateral border of the anterior two-thirds is the classic, most frequently cited site because it holds irritants and carcinogens against the mucosa longer than any other part of the tongue, and it is also where sharp tooth edges cause chronic mechanical irritation.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The correct answer is lateral border of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.