Tongue

Normal Tongue Anatomy - Circumvallate papillae

The tongue is covered in taste buds, and the most noticeable ones are on the back of the tongue. These raised, circular growths from the tongue may form a line or a V-shape, or they may appear more irregularly (randomly). Although they are not necessarily symmetric, they are usually many, as compared to tumors, where usually only one growth is present. In addition, these should not hurt you or grow over time.

Normal Tongue Anatomy - Base of tongue and circumvallate papillae

This picture shows the back of the tongue and the circumvallate papillae, which are large taste buds. Notice that there are many of these, they are smooth, and they are on both sides of the tongue.

Tongue Benign Change - Granular Cell Tumor

This small red spot on the right side of the tongue is a granular cell tumor. These are almost always benign (noncancerous) tumors that may occur in many places in the body, although the tongue is among the most common places. These may be red, as in the picture, but they may also be yellow or pink and may be raised up compared to the surrounding tissue. These are diagnosed with a biopsy, are treated with a simple excision, and do not commonly recur.

Tongue Benign Change - Herpetic ulcer

Ulcerations caused by a herpes virus most often involve attached tissue such as the gums or palate but can occur on the tongue or palate. They are usually painful. If these persist longer than 2 weeks, they should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Tongue Benign Change - Median glossitis

A smooth elevation in the middle of the tongue is most often due to yeast infection.

Tongue Benign Change - Pyogenic granuloma

This is an inflammatory lesion that can present as a red, friable mass that may bleed easily. If it does not resolve in 2 weeks, it should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Tongue Benign Change - Hairy tongue

This picture shows a darkening of the dorsal (top) surface of the tongue. Hairy tongue is a harmless condition caused by an overgrowth of bacteria and changes in the surface lining of the tongue. This usually occurs along the dorsal surface of the tongue as in this picture. There are multiple causes, including poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, dry mouth, history of radiation, and certain mouthwashes and medications. The most distressing problem for many patients is halitosis (bad breath) which often comes along with this. Treatment usually consists of identifying and correcting causes for this problem.

Tongue Precancer - Erythroplakia

These are examples of sores on the right side of the tongue. For any non-healing area like this, a biopsy is indicated to see if cancer or precancer is present.

Tongue Precancer - Erythroplakia

These are examples of sores on the right side of the tongue. For any non-healing area like this, a biopsy is indicated to see if cancer or precancer is present.

Tongue Precancer - Erythroplakia

Erythroplakia is a red spot in the mouth. This particular patch is on the undersurface of the right side of the tongue. The lining of the mouth is red, so this can be difficult to distinguish from normal tissue, but it generally looks different than its surroundings. Sometimes the red spot can be mixed with white spots as well. If the red spot is present for more than two weeks and is not going away or is painful, it generally should be biopsied to rule out cancer.

Tongue Precancer - Leukoplakia

This white area on the tongue may require a biopsy for diagnosis as it can be benign, precancer, or cancer.

Tongue Precancer - Lateral erythroplakia

This persistent area on the tongue should be evaluated by a medical professional as it may be cancer or precancer.

Tongue Precancer -Lateral leukoplakia

This persistent area on the tongue should be evaluated by a medical professional as it may be cancer or precancer.

Tongue Precancer - Leukoplakia

This persistent area on the tongue should be evaluated by a medical professional as it may be cancer or precancer.

Tongue Cancer - Squamous cell carcinoma

This is a left lateral tongue squamous cell cancer.

Tongue Cancer - Dorsal squamous cell carcinoma

This is a broad squamous cell cancer of the top surface of the tongue.

Tongue Cancer - Dorsal squamous cell carcinoma

This is a squamous cell cancer of the top surface of the tongue.

Tongue Cancer - Lateral squamous cell carcinoma

This is a cancer of the left side of the tongue.

Tongue Cancer - Lateral superficial squamous cell carcinoma

This is a cancer of the side of the tongue. If present for more than a few weeks without improvement, it should be evaluated by a medical professional.