A 24-Year-Old Male with Papules in His Mouth

The patient is a 24-year-old male who presents for a pre-employment physical. While undergoing his exam, he mentions being “curious” about tiny papules he noticed recently in his mouth on the inside of his cheek. They seemed to be a group of slightly yellow lesions, present on both sides of his mouth. He reports that they have been there “for a few months,” but they have not caused discomfort so he hasn’t sought care.

Consider what your diagnosis and next steps would be. Resolution of the case is described on the next page.