Are tongue lesions common?

According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the point prevalence of tongue lesions is 15.5 percent in U.S. adults. Lesion prevalence is increased in those who wear dentures or use tobacco. The most common tongue condition is geographic tongue, followed by fissured tongue and hairy tongue.

Are most tongue lesions cancerous?

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of tongue cancer. This type of cancer occurs: on the surface of the skin.

Is it common to have lesions on the tongue?

Often there are no symptoms but burning or irritation of the tongue is common, particularly with hot or spicy foods. Lesions are usually confined to the tongue but they sometimes arise elsewhere in the mouth or on the lips.

What causes white lesions on the side of the tongue?

According to the American Cancer Society, the most common causes of erythroplakia are: Erythroplakia may also occur alongside leukoplakia, a similar condition that causes white lesions. Treating this condition typically involves identifying the cause of the lesion and removing it.

What causes weakness on the opposite side of the tongue?

Tongue weakness can result from lesions of the tongue muscles, the neuromuscular junction, the lower motor neurons of the nerve supplying the tongue (CN XII), or the upper motor neurons originating in the motor cortex. Lesions of the motor cortex cause opposite side tongue weakness.

What is the differential diagnosis for the tongue?

The differential diagnosis for geographic tongue includes erythroplakia or candidiasis. Other conditions, such as oral lichen planus, lupus erythematous and drug reactions, can occasionally mimic this condition.

Which is the weak side of the tongue?

The tongue always deviates toward the weak side. (1,2) Whether this is toward or away from the side of the lesion depends on the specifics of the lesion. Because of the extensive interlacing of muscle fibers, the functional deficit with unilateral tongue weakness is usually minimal.

What does it mean if you have a lesion on your tongue?

A person with a mouth or tongue lesion has lumps, bumps, little ulcers, or cuts or sores inside or outside the mouth and lips. The first thing to do if you have a painful mouth is to identify the source because there are many different kinds of mouth sores.

Why do I have a sore on the side of my tongue?

A sore on the side of the tongue can develop for a wide variety of reasons. Often, mouth sores are not a sign of a serious condition. They may be canker sores, cold sores, or the result of a minor injury. In some cases, severe, recurring, or persistent mouth sores can be a symptom of an underlying condition.

The differential diagnosis for geographic tongue includes erythroplakia or candidiasis. Other conditions, such as oral lichen planus, lupus erythematous and drug reactions, can occasionally mimic this condition.