benign migratory glossitis (geographic tongue)

Etiology

• may be observed in patients with psoriasis or atopic dermatitis
• occurs in otherwise healthy persons
• not linked to tobacco use or HIV1 infection

Epidemiology

• about 2% of the population

Pathology

• asymptomatic inflammation of the tongue with rapid loss & regrowth of filaform papillae

Clinical manifestations

• generally asymptomatic
• when symptomatic, causes pain while eating
• does not cause taste disturbance
• appearance of denuded red patches migrating across the surface of the tongue
  • map-like erythematous patches with white hyperkeratotic rims on dorsal surface of tongue
• migratory: can change in appearance within minutes to hours

* images

Diagnostic procedures

• biopsy not required

Differential diagnosis

• oral leukoplakia
  • patches or plaques of the oral mucosa, associated with tobacco or chronic trauma
• oral hairy leukoplakia
  • adherent white plaques, associated with EBV, HIV1 infection
• lichen planus
  • occurs in older persons, associated with chronic trauma or medications
  • lesions variable: reticular white plaques of the oral mucosa
    • erosions & ulcerations may be painful
• oral candidiasis:
  • non-adherent white plaques or pseudomembranes

Management

• no therapy is required

More general terms

• glossitis