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Symptoms » Face symptoms » Book Sections
 

TONGUE ULCERS

The mnemonic MINT will help the recall of the important causes of tongue ulcers. M—Malformation suggests malocclusion, which can cause repetitive trauma to the tongue. Also dental prostheses can promote ulceration. I—Inflammation provokes the recall of herpes simplex, Vincent stomatitis, herpes zoster, syphilis, and tuberculosis. This reminds one of chickenpox, smallpox, and pemphigus. N—Neoplasm suggests leukoplakia and carcinoma of the tongue. T—Trauma is probably the major cause of ulcerations. Repetitive trauma from a sharp, broken, or carious tooth produces painful ulceration.

Approach to the Diagnosis

Herpes simplex and herpes zoster can be diagnosed by the Tzanck tests, viral isolation, or serologic tests. A fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA–ABS) test will diagnose syphilis. A biopsy will be necessary to diagnose carcinoma. It is best to refer these patients to an oral surgeon if the ulcers do not clear up with observation and conventional treatment.

Book Source Details

  • Book Title: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care
  • Author(s): R. Douglas Collins MD, FACP
  • Year of Publication: 2007
  • Copyright Details: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Other Book Chapters Related to Face symptoms

Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Face symptoms:

Medical Books Excerpts
  • FACE PAIN
  • "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
  • FACIAL MASS
  • "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
  • TONGUE PAIN
  • "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
  • SORE THROAT
  • "Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs" (2003)
  • Throat pain
  • "Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition)" (2006)
  • Facial pain
  • "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
  • Moon face
  • "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
  • Throat pain
  • "Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)" (2006)
  • Edema, facial
  • "Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series" (2007)
  • Facial pain
  • "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
  • Throat pain
  • "Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses" (2007)
  • Sore Throat
  • "The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics" (2006)
 

Copyright Details: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

More About Causes of Face symptoms




More About This Book:
Title: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care
Authors: R. Douglas Collins MD, FACP
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Copyright: 2007
ISBN: 0-7817-6812-8

 » Next page: Sore Throat (The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)

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