Images in Clinical Medicine: Geographic Tongue

Abstract

Geographic tongue is usually self-resolving and relatively a benign condition. Sometimes, these lesions in the tongue can move from one location to another in the tongue hence this condition is also called benign migratory glossitis. Although the etiology is idiopathic, it can often be associated with increased environmental allergies. At times it may resemble oral cancer. Thorough clinical examination and investigations are needed if there is any sudden increase in the size of erythematous plaques or if there is pain with supra-added systemic features suggestive of any malignancy. We herein present a case of geographic tongue in a 57-year-old gentleman which was diagnosed as benign. It was conservatively managed and self-resolving in nature.

Keywords

• benign
• geographic tongue
• glossitis