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Geographic tongue

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Patches on the tongue; Tongue - patchy; Benign migratory glossitis; Glossitis - benign migratory

Treatment:

There is no treatment.

Expectations (prognosis):

Geographic tongue is a harmless condition, but it can be persistent and uncomfortable.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor if the symptoms last longer than 10 days. Seek immediate medical help if:

• The tongue is severely swollen
• Breathing trouble occurs
• There are problems with speaking, chewing, or swallowing

References:

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine , 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2428.

Shulman JD. Prevalence and risk factors associated with geographic tongue among US adults. Oral Dis . Jul 2006; 12(4): 381-6.

• Review Date: 2/12/2007
• Reviewed By: Alden J. Pearl, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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