<s>[INST] I just noticed a red patch on the right front of my tongue . Under it inside the tongue is what feels like a firm, hard,tender lump the size of a pea or almond . It is inside the tongue just off center and you can feel it between your fingers. What is the anatomy of a tongue? Is it supposed to be entirely smooth? What could this be? [/INST] Dear Concerned., Thanks for writing to us. The red patch on the tongue anterior right side could be due to any of the following ; A)Benign geographic tongue; An innocent lesion . To be left as it is as it is painless and symptomfree. B)Riboflavin Deficiency;-To be supplimented with B-Complex or multivitamins.(C)Infective Aetiology ;in addition local application of choline salicylate/benzalkonium chloride/lignocaine gel will relieve your pain if in addition infected.An antisceptic  betadine mouth gargling can also be done. D)Erythroplakia;It is a REDDISH VEVETTY THICK  pre-malignant lesion occurs in people with predispositions such as Smoking/Spirit Consumption/Spicy food/Sharp tooth impinging/Syphilis In any case  the diagnosis is established only after HPE(Histo path examination) report is obtained after Biopsy of the lesion and the lump and then further treatment can be instituted by a General Surgeon. Wishing you a quick recovery, Best regards., Dr Lt Cdr ASN Bhushan </s>