Fissured tongue is a benign 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 A ...

) in the dorsum of the

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

. 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 (f ...

(along with facial nerve paralysis and

granulomatous cheilitis A granuloma is an aggregation of macrophages that forms in response to chronic inflammation. This occurs when the immune system attempts to isolate foreign substances that it is otherwise unable to eliminate. Such substances include infectious ...

). 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 d ...

, in association with geographic tongue, 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 comple ...

, 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, a ...

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