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EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
After reading this course, the participant should be able to:
1. Identify the most common benign lesions found on the tongue.
2. Describe the etiology and clinical manifestations of each of these lesions.
3. Discuss the diagnosis and management of these lesions.
FIGURE 1. In this case of geographic tongue, the symptoms, which include red patches surrounded by thin
white-to-yellow borders, are minimally evident.
FIGURE 2. In this example, the clinical signs of geographic tongue are more pronounced.
FIGURE 3. This patient has hairy tongue with tan and white papillae. The condition can also present with
brown or black papillae.
FIGURE 4. Median rhomboid glossitis presents as a zone of depapillation of the filiform papillae, along the
midline of the posterior dorsal surface of the tongue.
FIGURE 5. One of the most common presentations of oral lichen planus, this example demonstrates its
reticular, white, lacy pattern.
FIGURE 6. Erosive oral lichen planus presents as erythema and ulcerations with radiating striae.
FIGURE 7. The white, elevated patches of plaque-like oral lichen planus are less prevalent.
Lesions affecting the tongue represent a substantial portion of oral mucosal lesions. The
prevalence of tongue lesions at any given time is 15.5%, according to the National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).1 Many large scale, population-based screenings have
identified the most common conditions affecting the tongue; however, these were performed on
specific groups of people, and the data may vary based on the population studied and the method
of assessment. 2,3 Although the tongue is primarily composed of muscle tissue, most pathologic
lesions arise from the cells of the surface epithelium, which covers the tongue and its blood
vessels.2 This article describes a few of the most common benign conditions that affect the
tongue.
GEOGRAPHIC TONGUE
Commonly referred to as benign migratory glossitis, geographic tongue was first identified by
French physician Pierre Franois Olive Rayer in 1831. He described the condition as "a
wandering rash of the tongue." The most commonly affected site is the anterior two-thirds of the
dorsal tongue, although benign red and white lesions can present on other oral mucosal sites, as
well.4,5 Geographic tongue has a number of other monikers, including: lingua geographica,
erythema migrans, exfoliation areata lingua, superficial migratory glossitis, lingual dystrophy,
pityriases linguae, transitory benign plaques of the tongue, marginal exfoliative glossitis, ectopic
geographic tongue, and glossitis areata migrans. The most commonly used terms, however, are
geographic tongue or benign migratory glossitis.6
The reported prevalence of geographic tongue ranges from 0.28% to 14.4%.6 However, most
surveys note it as between 1.0% and 2.5%.6,7 Shulman and Carpenter's population- based casecontrol study, which looked at data from 16,833 American adults in NHANES 19881994, found
that geographic tongue was more prevalent among whites and blacks compared to MexicanAmericans.4 There is debate about what age group is most frequently affected. Although some
investigators believe that geographic tongue is most common among children and that frequency
decreases with age, others believe that it can occur at any age. Even though many reports claim
no gender predilection, others suggest that the disorder is more common among women.4,6,7 In a
study of 188 Thai subjects, Jainkittivong and Langlais found that women were slightly more
likely to be affected than men.8
While the exact etiology of geographic tongue is unclear, multiple causes have been proposed.
Theories suggest that it may be associated with hormonal fluctuations or allergies, or that it could
be psychosomatic. 4 Geographic tongue may have a genetic factor as well.6 Dermatological
conditions, such as pustular psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and pityriasis pilaris, have been
linked to the condition. The association between geographic tongue and pustular psoriasis has
been investigated most closely, with conclusions suggesting that the presence of geographic
tongue in an otherwise healthy individual may indicate a greater risk of generalized psoriasis.6
Systemic conditions such as diabetes, Reiter's syndrome, and down syndromeappear to have
a possible correlation with geographic tongue.
Most often, the patient is unaware of the presentation and is usually asymptomatic. The clinical
appearance of geographic tongue can range from minimally evident to very prominent. During a
flare up, lesions exhibit multiple red patches that range in size between 0.5 cm and 1.5 cm in
diameter, due to atrophy or loss of the filiform papillae. Lesions appear as red patches
surrounded by elevated, thin white-to-yellow borders (Figure 1 and Figure 2).9 Lesions can also
be multifocal.
Geographic tongue is sometimes referred to as migratory because its location and pattern of
presentation tends to change. The appearance of geographic tongue may fluctuate by the minute
or hour, with lesions presenting for days, months, or longer.6 This condition has a strong
association with fissured tongue.4 Although geographic tongue is most often painless, patients
can present with discomfort and a burning sensation. Candidiasis also may coexist with
geographic tongue, on occasion.10
The diagnosis of geographic tongue and its treatment are based on the patient's medical history
and clinical examination. On rare occasions, a biopsy is required to confirm a histologic
diagnosis.6 Because the majority of patients are asymptomaticand because geographic tongue
is chronic or intermittentno treatment is generally needed. It is also possible that geographic
tongue may not recur after the initial episode. Patients often need to be assured that it is a benign
process to alleviate their anxiety.6 Treating geographic tongue with topical corticosteroids,
topical anesthetic agents, and antihistamines may help alleviate symptoms, but no specific
therapy has demonstrated consistent success.5,6 The differential diagnosis for geographic tongue
includes erythroplakia or candidiasis. Other conditions, such as oral lichen planus, lupus
erythematous, and drug reactions, can occasionally mimic this condition. A biopsy may be
needed to confirm the clinical diagnosis when the clinical presentation is not readily apparent.
HAIRY TONGUE
Hairy tongue, also referred to as black hairy tongue or coated tongue, affects just 0.5% of the
adult population.5 Amato Lusitano, a Portuguese physician, first described this condition in
1557.11 In a 2003 study conducted on 5,150 Turkish dental patients, 11.3% presented with hairy
tongue that included filiform papillae elongated more than 3 mm, and 23.2% with hairy tongue
in which the filiform papillae were less than 3 mm.3 Prevalence of this condition was very low
(0.05%), however, when studied in 3,611 Minnesota schoolchildren.7 There is no gender
predilection. Other terminology has been ascribed to this condition, such as lingua villosa nigra,
hyperkeratosis of the tongue, nigrities linguae, keratomyositis linguae, and melanotrichia
linguae; however, none of these is commonly used today.11
Hairy tongue affects the filiform papillae, which undergo hypertrophy and, therefore, elongate.
The marked elongation of the filiform papillae makes them susceptible to discoloration and can
present in varying shades, such as white, tan, brown, or black papillae (Figure 3).12 Darker
discolorations are the result of entrapped debris, extrinsic staining from food, and chromogenic
microorganisms in the filiform papillae.12 This condition may also be caused by a decrease in
normal keratin desquamation.5 Because the filiform papillae are affected, this condition involves
the mid-dorsal surface of the tongue, just anterior to the circumvallate papillae. The lateral
borders and tip of the tongue remain uninvolved.5
The etiology for hairy tongue is not well understood. It presents among healthy individuals, as
well as those with debilitating health conditions. Several predisposing factors have been
implicated in its pathogenesis, including smoking and poor oral hygiene.11,13 Several medications,
such as antibiotics, antihypertensives, corticosteroids, psychotropics, and oxidizing agents like
hydrogen peroxide, are thought to contribute to the development of hairy tongueprimarily
because they cause dry mouth symptoms. A few studies have implicated bismuth, tetracycline,
erythromycin, linezolid, and olanzapine as contributing to the development of keratin on the
tongue's filiform papillae.14 General debilitation and history of radiation therapy can predispose
individuals to hairy tongue.5 Staining from drinking black tea and certain foods can lead to an
altered color of the tongue.
Most patients with hairy tongue remain asymptomatic.5,12 Common complaints of oral malodor,
nausea, or altered taste have been reported. In rare instances, a gagging sensation may be
experienced.5 Clinical examination with gauze or a dental instrument can help assess the
elongation of the filiform papillae.
Clinical presentation of hairy tongue is classic, and, as such, biopsies are generally unnecessary.5
As a benign condition, treatment is usually not required. However, routine gentle debridement of
the tongue with a soft toothbrush or a commercial tongue scraper can expedite the removal of the
keratin. Discontinuation of associated aggravating factors, such as tobacco, should be advocated,
and good oral hygiene needs to be encouraged. If medication use is the culprit, hairy tongue will
resolve once the offending agent is eliminated.11 Hairy tongue should not be confused with oral
hairy leukoplakia, which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.12 Oral hairy leukoplakia differs in
its anatomic location and its association with immunosuppression.
The clinical presentation of median rhomboid glossitis is most often evident; thus, empirical
treatment with antifungal agents is indicated. A biopsy or culture may also aid the diagnosis.
Commonly used topical antifungal agents, such as nystatin or clotrimazole, as well as systemic
medications, have demonstrated efficacy in resolving these lesions.9 Other conditions, such as
irritation fibroma, granular cell tumor, and tertiary syphilis may be considered in the differential
diagnosis.15
steroids remains the most widely used treatment. In refractory cases, the use of other topical or
systemic immunomodulators and retinoids has been tried. Because of a potential for malignant
transformation, there is some concern regarding treatment of oral lichen planus lesions with
immunomodulators.17 Due to premalignant potential, close monitoring of patients during the
course of treatment is recommended.
CONCLUSION
Oral health professionals frequently encounter oral lesions in clinical practice. In addition to
acquiring adequate knowledge about these lesions, recognition and diagnosis require the taking
of a thorough medical history and performing an in-depth oral examination. Familiarity with
common characteristics of oral lesionsin regards to color, shape, size, location, and
morphologyassists clinicians in making a sound clinical diagnosis. A thorough history should
include information regarding onset, duration, symptoms, and a history of alcohol and tobacco
use. Any lesion that cannot be easily or accurately diagnosed should be referred to a specialist for
further evaluation, treatment, and management.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
HEADER IMAGE: MEDICAL IMAGES, UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP / SCIENCE
PHOTO LIBRARY
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