TONGUE PAIN

Pain in the tongue is rarely an isolated symptom. There is usually a focal or diffuse inflammation of the tongue or an ulcerating lesion. Diffuse inflammation is found in antibiotic glossitis, glossitis of avitaminosis (pernicious anemia), aphthous stomatitis, thrush, streptococcal glossitis, and acute diffuse glossitis. Focal lesions include cuts and ulcerations from trauma, such as the bitten tongue or burned tongue (hot pizza, etc.), or injury from a sharp tooth or jagged dental plate. Other painful focal lesions are carcinoma, tuberculosis, syphilis (often painless), and herpes simplex ulcers. When the tongue is completely normal, trigeminal neuralgia, polymyositis, trichinosis, and calculus of the submaxillary gland should be considered.

DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP

Most lesions will respond to conservative treatment and time. In patients with signs of systemic disease and vitamin deficiency, the workup includes serum B12 and folate level, upper GI series, ANA, and Trichinella antibody titer. Focal lesions that persist should command a referral to a dentist or oral surgeon.

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs
• Author(s): R. Douglas Collins
• Year of Publication: 2003
• Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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Copyright Details: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

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• Back to symptom: Swollen tongue: Introduction (review 247 causes)
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More About This Book: Title: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs Authors: R. Douglas Collins Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2003 ISBN: 0-7817-3805-9

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