Tongue lesion can be painful

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have had what I will call a sore on the right side of my tongue. It’s about the size of a pencil eraser. It’s white and hurts. I’ve had it for a few months and it hasn’t gotten any larger. I’m wondering what it could be and if I can’t care for it myself, do I go to a dentist or do I see my DO?

DEAR READER: This simple question may be difficult to answer because I am unsure just what the lesion looks like and there are a number of different possible conditions; however, my initial reaction is to diagnose you with repeat canker sores. However, keep in mind you may have candidiasis, lichen planus, recurrent herpes, and more so an examination of the lesion is necessary prior to making the proper diagnosis.
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