Macroglossia
What is it?
Macroglossia is the medical term of a large tongue. Macroglossia may be caused by a variety of conditions. The most common causes are vascular malformation and muscular hypertrophy, such as in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Other congenital and acquired causes may include amyloidosis, down syndrome, hypothyroidism, mucopolysaccharidosis, neurofibromatosis, acromegaly, tumors and more.
Additional names
This group contains additional names:
- Hypertrophy of tongue
Signs & symptoms
Signs and symptoms of macroglossia include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing and eating, disrupted speech, drooling, sores on the corner of the mouth, crenated tongue, open bite malocclusion, mouth breathing, orthodontic problems and crenated tongue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is done usually on a physical examination. Later, in order to find the cause for macroglossia, other exams may be done including abdominal US.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the severity of the macroglossia, if it causes any symptoms, and the underlying cause for macroglossia. Sometimes treatment is not needed and in other cases a reduction glossectomy is done.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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