Fissured Tongue: A Case Report

Introduction

A 46-year-old medically fit, female patient came with a chief complaint of deposits on the teeth surface since 1 year. She also gives history of burning sensation on tongue since ten years. Past medical and dental history was non contributory. No deleterious habits present. Intra-oral examination revealed generalized stains on teeth, gingiva is soft and edematous in relation to lower anteriors.

On clinical examination, multiple linear cracks or deep grooves measuring 1-2 cm were seen on the anterior 2/3rd surface of dorsal surface of the tongue Figure 1. It was non-tender on palpation.

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A provisional diagnosis of a fissured tongue was given. The patient was advised to use mouthwash and mechanic tongue cleansing aids in her daily oral hygiene habits. The patient was referred to department of periodontics for oral prophyaxis. Fissured tongue is a condition frequently Image Article seen in the general population that is characterized by grooves that vary in depth and are noted along the dorsal and lateral aspects of the tongue. Fissured tongue, also known as scrotal tongue, lingua plicata, plicated tongue or furrowed tongue is a benign condition characterized by deep grooves or fissures in the dorsum of the tongue. Males are more commonly affected [1, 2]. Although in our reported case female is affected. There are two types of fissured tongue-Fissure tongue with normal filiform papillae; and Fissure tongue syndrome, (where fissures are associated with geographical tongue) [2]. Fissure tongue affects only the tongue and is a finding in Melkerson- Rosenthal syndrome, which consists of a triad of fissure, granulomatous cheilitis and cranial nerve VII paralysis (Bell palsy) [3, 4]. The prevalence of fissured tongue worldwide varies by geographic location and has been reported to be as high as 30.5%. Fissuring of the tongue is seen in patients with pernicious anemia or Sjogren’s syndrome. It considered that fissured tongue is a mucosal form of pustular psoriasis. Fissured tongue is a totally benign condition and is considered by most to be a variant of normal tongue architecture. Patient education is necessary for fissured tongue as it is a frequent finding, no other specific therapy is required, though it is necessary to treat the manifestations of Melkersson- Rosenthal syndrome, if present.