The patient is alert and in no distress. Blood pressure is 138/84 mm Hg, respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute, and she is afebrile. Lung are clear, and heart sounds are normal. Tympanic membranes are unremarkable, and there are no gross dental abnormalities. Tonsils are not inflamed and the throat is moist with a normal voice, although there is some nasal congestion.You notice a midline mass on the hard palate, which is nontender, has a normal mucosal color, and is nonmobile. Upon further questioning, the patient states that she has felt a.mass in her mouth for years but never was concerned enough to ask a physician about its significance.
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