What is a key question to ask regarding exam findings about a lesion?

Inquiring whether the lesion has changed in size or appearance recently is crucial because it can provide significant insights into the nature of the lesion. Changes in size or appearance may indicate a more aggressive process, such as malignant transformation, or may help in assessing the healing of a benign condition. Lesions that have altered over time might warrant closer examination or further diagnostic procedures, as they could reflect underlying pathology that is either developing or resolving.

Other questions, while relevant, do not provide as critical information about the potential implications of the lesion. Noting if the lesion was observed during a cleaning can help contextualize its discovery, but it doesn't inform the clinician about its current state or behavior. Assessing pain can indicate the lesion's impact on the patient, yet it may not be a decisive factor in diagnosing the lesion itself. Lastly, while the location of the lesion, such as whether it’s on the tongue, can provide some context for differential diagnoses, it is the changes in size or appearance that often signal the need for further investigation.