Tongue lesions: what can it be?

In the course of the examination of a patient their tongue is easily visualized and with the use of gauze can be gently dried, held with gauze and stretched for inspection of all aspects. This can be followed by palpation of both the tongue and the floor of mouth. In this manner, any altered tissue is likely to be detected and, with or without further investigations, a diagnosis established. Appropriate management can then be undertaken. A wide range of conditions may involve the tongue and this article outlines some of these using a classification based on aetiology.