7th August 2020

A 57-year-old man presents, complaining of a persistent sore mouth and tongue

A 57-year-old man presents, complaining of a persistent sore mouth and tongue. On examination he has a 2cm x 2cm ulcerating lesion on the left side of the floor of the mouth and the ventral surface of the tongue. The patient has seemingly poor oral hygiene, with several missing and loose teeth including those in close proximity to the ulcer, and has noticeably malodorous breath. He has overt cervical lymphadenopathy, which he has put down to a flu-like illness with a sore throat 6 weeks ago. The patient has smoked 30 cigarettes a day for 40 years, and consumes around 30 units of alcohol per week. 

Given the likely diagnosis, which treatment modality is most appropriate? 

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.