Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders

Tounge

07/29/2008 09:48AM

Question:

hi!!! doc Seiden I have a problem in my tongue almost 10 months ago I have consult an ent physiscian but he told me that I have a healthy tounge but I still have a visible sore in any part of my tounge but it is not painfull except when I eat some spicy food I have no problem in swalowing and chewing the food. I also seen a big fungi form shaped with inverted letter V on the innermost part of my tounge I dont know how I get rid it off. hope you help me doc. thank you!!!

Answer:

The tongue can look pretty funny yet be normal. These changes in appearance are because the tongue has many papillae over its surface, and there may be some associated inflammation or irritation that causes them to be more or less prominent. It is rare to have an infection that actually involves the tongue. The "fungi shape" you noticed could actually be a normal part of the tongue. In any event, without seeing your tongue, it is difficult to comment further. If you are concerned, I suggest you consult another ENT physician.

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Response by:

Allen M. Seiden, MD
Professor of Otolaryngology
Department of Otolaryngology
College of Medicine
University of Cincinnati