Geographic tongue

Diseases & Conditions

Injuries

Nutrition

Poisons

Special Topics

Surgeries

Symptoms

Tests

Health Information Library

Find

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison	Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R	S	T	U	V	W	X	Y	Z


Tongue

Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Geographic tongue

Definition

Geographic tongue describes a map-like appearance of your tongue. This results from irregular, denuded patches on its surface.

Alternative Names

Patches on the tongue; Tongue - patchy; Benign migratory glossitis

Causes

The specific cause of geographic tongue is unknown, although allergies may be involved. Other causes may include irritation from hot or spicy foods, alcohol, or tobacco.

The pattern on the surface of your tongue may change very rapidly. The pattern results from the loss of papillae (tiny finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue). This gives areas of the tongue flat spots, and thus a geographic appearance. These areas of papillae loss are said to be "denuded." Denuded areas may persist for more than a month.

Review Date: 7/30/2003
Reviewed By: Jason Newman, M.D., Department of Otolaryngology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Washington, DC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

_{The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.}

Home | Site Map | Detailed Search | Contact Us | Privacy & Patient Rights