Diseases

 

 

This is what your tongue looks like if you have Cancer.

Hairy tongue (lingua villosa) is a commonly observed condition of defective desquamation of the filiform papillae that results from a variety of precipitating factors. The condition most frequently is referred to as black hairy tongue (lingua villosa nigra); however, hairy tongue also may appear brown, white, green, pink, or any of a variety of hues depending on the specific etiology and secondary factors (ie, use of colored mouthwashes, breath mints, candies).

Median rhomboid glossitis is an enigmatic inflammatory or infectious condition of the dorsum of the tongue. Although it is benign, it can be mistaken for a serious condition by the patient or an inexperienced observer.

Geographic Tongue Disease

The specific cause of geographic tongue is unknown, although allergies may be involved. Other causes may include local irritation of a small portion of the tongue from hot or spicy foods, alcohol, tobacco, or other local irritants. The pattern on the surface of the tongue may change very rapidly. The pattern results from the loss of tongue papillae (tiny finger-like projections on the surface of the tongue), giving areas of the tongue flat spots, and the subsequent geographic appearance. These areas of papillae loss are called denuded. Denuded areas may persist for more than a month. Occasionally, mild irritation of the tongue is reported.

Prevention

Avoid local irritation (hot/spicy food, alcohol, tobacco, and so on) if you are prone to geographic tongue.