A. Introduction

1. Inflammation of the tongue
2. Benign and severe forms occur
3. May be associated with mucositis / stomatitis
4. Rule out Behcet's Disease, Epstein Barr Virus, Herpesviruses

B. Benign Migratory Glossitis [1]

1. Also called Geographic Tongue
2. Inflammatory condition of unclear etiology
3. Local loss of filiform papillae
4. Ulcer like lesions occur
   1. Chronic
   2. Migratory
   3. Macroscopic ulcerations
   4. Change size, color, position
5. Disease Associations
   1. Pustular psoriasis (5-10% of patients)
   2. Allergies (up to 40% of patients)
   3. Stress (up to 20% of patients)
   4. Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes Mellitus (8% of patients)
   5. Down Syndrome (11% of patients)
   6. Various other conditions
6. Diagnosis based on history and clinical examination
7. Treatment
   1. Not usually required
   2. Systemic psoriasis treatment may be effective
   3. Allergy control
   4. Avoid very hot, spicy or acidic foods
   5. Avoid dried, salty nuts

References

1. Assimakopoulos D, Patrikakos G, Fotika C, Elisaf M. 2002. Am J Med. 113(9):751