Tongue disorders are extremely common, ranging from minor furring of the tongue to extensive inflammation and malignancy. Tongue disorders are often a manifestation of systemic disease. A history of gastrointestinal disease, dehydration, mouth breathing, smoking or antibiotics. White patches on the tongue are suggestive of leucoplakia or candidiasis, the last being associated with antibiotic therapy, chemotherapy or immunosuppression. Hairy leucoplakia is associated with EBV and is found almost exclusively in patients with HIV. A pale tongue may indicate anaemia, a blue tongue central cyanosis. The patient may present with a red, painful tongue, which may occur in pernicious anaemia or other forms of vitamin B deficiency. Pigmentation may be a sign of Addison’s disease.
Tongue Disorders
History
Furring
Colour change
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