Fissured tongue is a

benign Malignancy () is the tendency of a medical condition to become progressively worse. Malignancy is most familiar as a characterization of cancer. A ''malignant'' tumor contrasts with a non-cancerous benign tumor, ''benign'' tumor in that a malign ...

condition characterized by deep grooves (

fissures A fissure is a long, narrow crack opening along the surface of Earth. The term is derived from the Latin word , which means 'cleft' or 'crack'. Fissures emerge in Earth's crust, on ice sheets and glaciers, and on volcanoes. Ground fissure ...

) in the dorsum of the

tongue The tongue is a muscular organ (anatomy), organ in the mouth of a typical tetrapod. It manipulates food for mastication and swallowing as part of the digestive system, digestive process, and is the primary organ of taste. The tongue's upper surfa ...

. Although these grooves may look unsettling, the condition is usually painless. Some individuals may complain of an associated burning sensation. It is a relatively common condition, with a prevalence of between 6.8%FREQUENCY OF TONGUE ANOMALIES AMONG YEMENI CHILDREN IN DENTAL CLINICS
Yemeni Journal for Medical Sciences and 11%Frequency of Tongue Anomalies in Primary School Of Lahidjan
Rabiei M, Mohtashame Amiri Z, Masoodi Rad H, Niazi M, Niazi H. Frequency of Tongue Anomalies in Primary School Of Lahidjan. 3. 2003; 12 (45) :36-42 ] found also in children. The prevalence of the condition increases significantly with age, occurring in 40% of the population after the age of 40.Geriatric Nutrition: The Health Professional's Handbook, Ronni Chernoff, (Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2006), page 176

Presentation

The clinical appearance is considerably varied in both the orientation, number, depth and length of the fissure pattern. There are usually multiple grooves/furrows 2–6 mm in depth present. Sometimes there is a large central furrow, with smaller fissures branching perpendicularly. Other patterns may show a mostly dorsolateral position of the fissures (i.e. sideways running grooves on the tongue's upper surface). Some patients may experience burning or soreness.

Associated conditions

Fissured tongue is seen in

Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by recurring facial paralysis, swelling of the face and lips (usually the upper lip: cheilitis granulomatosis) and the development of folds and furrows in the tongue ( ...

(along with

facial nerve paralysis Facial nerve paralysis is a common problem that involves the paralysis of any structures innervated by the facial nerve. The pathway of the facial nerve is long and relatively convoluted, so there are a number of causes that may result in facial ...

and granulomatous cheilitis). It is also seen in most patients with

Down syndrome Down syndrome or Down's syndrome, also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of all or part of a third copy of chromosome 21. It is usually associated with physical growth delays, mild to moderate intellectual dis ...

, in association with

geographic tongue Geographic tongue, also known by several other terms, is a condition of the mucous membrane of the tongue, usually on the dorsal surface. It is a common condition, affecting approximately 2–3% of the general population. It is characterized by a ...

, in patients with oral manifestations of

psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-lasting, noncontagious autoimmune disease characterized by raised areas of abnormal skin. These areas are red, pink, or purple, dry, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete ...

, and in healthy individuals. Fissured tongue is also sometimes a feature of

Cowden's syndrome Cowden syndrome (also known as Cowden's disease and multiple hamartoma syndrome) is an autosomal dominant inherited condition characterized by benign overgrowths called hamartomas as well as an increased lifetime risk of breast, thyroid, uterine, ...

Cause

The cause is unknown, but is most likely a genetic trait. Aging and environmental factors may also contribute to the appearance.

Prevalence

It is a relatively common condition, with an estimated prevalence of 6.8%–11%. Males are more commonly affected. The condition may be seen at any age, but generally affects older people more frequently. The condition also generally becomes more accentuated with age. The prevalence of the condition increases significantly with age, occurring in 40% of the population after the age of 40.

References

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fissured Tongue Tongue disorders Conditions of the mucous membranes