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Macroglossia

• Overview

Definition:

Macroglossia is a disorder in which the tongue is larger than normal.

Information:

Macroglossia is usually caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than because of an external growth like a tumor.

This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital disorders including:

• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome ( low blood sugar in a newborn with macroglossia and other enlarged organs)
• Congenital hypothyroidism (newborn with decreased or, rarely, no thyroid hormone production)
• Down's syndrome
• Primary amyloidosis
• Acromegaly (excess growth hormone)

• Review Date: 11/18/2005
• Reviewed By: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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