AKT Question Relating to Management of Painful Tongue

A 46-year-old female attends your surgery complaining of a sore tongue for the last 3 months, particularly while eating hot or spicy foods. She is a non-smoker and drinks 6 to 8 units of alcohol per week.

What is the SINGLE MOST appropriate initial management for this patient? Select ONE option only.

Advice and reassurance

Check human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology

Prescribe nystatin drops

Routine referral to an oral surgeon

Urgent referral to an oral surgeon

OPEN IN VIEWER Reproduced with permission from DermNet NZ, website of New Zealand Dermatological Society Incorporated.

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