Geographic Tongue: A Benign Yet Baffling Oral Condition

Geographic Tongue: A Benign Yet Baffling Oral Condition

Question. Write notes on the geographic tongue.
Or
Write short note on benign migratory glossitis.

Or
Write short note on geographic tongue.

Answer. Geographic tongue is a multifocal, patchy, irregular area of depapillation of tongue characterized by frequent remissions and recurrences.

“Understanding the role of geographic tongue in oral health: Q&A explained”

Clinical Features

• It is seen in children as well as in adults.
• Geographic tongue clinically presents multiple, irregular,well demarcated, patchy erythematous areas on dorsum of tongue with desquamation of fiiform papilla.
• Although fiiform papilla are absent in desquamated zone,the fungiform papillae remain present which appear as few red dots projecting on the surface.
• Geographic tongue is a painless, asymptomatic condition,however on few occasions it may produce soreness or burning sensations.
• Remissions of initial lesions always followed by fresh recurrent lesions which involves new areas of tongue surface.

“Importance of studying geographic tongue for better diagnostic outcomes: Questions explained”

Histopathology

• The condition show hyperparakeratinization of covering epithelium of the tongue with loss of filiform papillae.
• Intercellular edema and accumulation of neutral polymorphs is often seen in layers of epithelium.
• Mild inflammatory cell infiltration is present in underlying connective tissue.

“Common challenges in diagnosing geographic tongue effectively: FAQs provided”