Caviar tongue is a condition characterized by the purplish
nodular swelling of veins found on the
undersurface of the tongue.
It is normal for there to be veins visible underneath the tongue, partly because the mucous membrane is so thin and translucent in this region, but where these vessels become dilated and tortuous, they may appear round and black like
caviar
Caviar (also known as caviare; from fa, خاویار, khâvyâr, egg-bearing) is a food consisting of salt-cured roe of the family Acipenseridae. Caviar is considered a delicacy and is eaten as a garnish or a spread. Traditionally, the te ...
.
However, with caviar tongue, the blood vessels become dilated and tortuous and appear round and black (resembling caviar). Caviar tongue is also referred to as sublingual varices (plural) and varix (singular) and look like varicose veins in the tongue. It is a benign, asymptomatic, venous lesion.
History
It was first described by
William Bennett Bean
William Bennett Bean (November 8, 1909 the Philippines – March 1, 1989) was an internist, medical historian, teacher and collector.
He coined the term venous lake.
Early life and education
William Bennett Bean was born in 1909 in the Ph ...
in 1952, when he thought it looked like
caviar
Caviar (also known as caviare; from fa, خاویار, khâvyâr, egg-bearing) is a food consisting of salt-cured roe of the family Acipenseridae. Caviar is considered a delicacy and is eaten as a garnish or a spread. Traditionally, the te ...
.
See also
*
Varicose veins
Varicose veins, also known as varicoses, are a medical condition in which superficial veins become enlarged and twisted. These veins typically develop in the legs, just under the skin. Varicose veins usually cause few symptoms. However, some indiv ...
*
Varices
A varix (pl. varices) is an abnormally dilated vessel with a tortuous course. Varices usually occur in the venous system, but may also occur in arterial or lymphatic vessels.
Examples of varices include:
* Varicose veins, large tortuous veins usua ...
References
{{Oral pathology
Conditions of the mucous membranes
Tongue disorders