Fissured tongue
| Fissured tongue | |
|---|---|
| Other names | scrotal tongue, lingua plicata, plicated tongue,[1]: 1038 and furrowed tongue[2]: 800 |
 | |
| Specialty | Oral medicine |
Fissured tongueis abenigncondition characterized by deep grooves (fissures) in thedorsumof thetongue.Although these grooves may look unsettling, the condition is usually painless. Some individuals may complain of an associated burning sensation.[3]
It is a relatively common condition, with a prevalence of between 6.8%[4]and 11%[5]found also in children. The prevalence of the condition increases significantly with age, occurring in 40% of the population after the age of 40.[6]
Presentation
[edit]
The clinical appearance is considerably varied in both the orientation, number, depth and length of the fissure pattern. There are usually multiple grooves/furrows 2–6 mm in depth present. Sometimes there is a large central furrow, with smaller fissures branching perpendicularly. Other patterns may show a mostly dorsolateral position of the fissures (i.e. sideways running grooves on the tongue's upper surface). Some patients may experience burning or soreness.
Associated conditions
[edit]Fissured tongue is seen inMelkersson–Rosenthal syndrome(along withfacial nerve paralysisandgranulomatous cheilitis). It is also seen in most patients withDown syndrome,in association withgeographic tongue,in patients with oral manifestations ofpsoriasis,and in healthy individuals. Fissured tongue is also sometimes a feature ofCowden's syndrome.
Cause
[edit]The cause is unknown, but is most likely a genetic trait. Aging and environmental factors may also contribute to the appearance.
Prevalence
[edit]It is a relatively common condition, with an estimated prevalence of 6.8%[4]–11%.[5]Males are more commonly affected. The condition may be seen at any age, but generally affects older people more frequently. The condition also generally becomes more accentuated with age. The prevalence of the condition increases significantly with age, occurring in 40% of the population after the age of 40.[6]
References
[edit]- ^Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007).Dermatology: 2-Volume Set.St. Louis: Mosby.ISBN978-1-4160-2999-1.
- ^James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006).Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology.Saunders Elsevier.ISBN978-0-7216-2921-6.
- ^Scully, Crispian (2008).Oral and maxillofacial medicine: the basis of diagnosis and treatment(2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone.ISBN9780443068188.
- ^abFREQUENCY OF TONGUE ANOMALIES AMONG YEMENI CHILDREN IN DENTAL CLINICSArchived2018-10-29 at theWayback MachineYemeni Journal for Medical Sciences
- ^abFrequency of Tongue Anomalies in Primary School Of LahidjanRabiei M, Mohtashame Amiri Z, Masoodi Rad H, Niazi M, Niazi H. Frequency of Tongue Anomalies in Primary School Of Lahidjan. 3. 2003; 12 (45):36-42 ]
- ^abGeriatric Nutrition: The Health Professional's Handbook, Ronni Chernoff, (Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2006), page 176