The tongue is a strong muscle in the mouth that allows for easy swallowing and speaking. The tongue also contains a wide variety of taste buds that allow people to enjoy their food. Sometimes, certain diseases infiltrate the tongue and can turn it a shade of red. In some instances, cells within the tongue can grow at a rapid rate. Common human tongue diseases have specific treatment options.
Geographic Tongue
Geographic tongue refers to a harmless problem in which the tongue has distinct red patches on it. MayoClinic.com indicates that this occurs when the tongue loses papillae, small bumps located on the tongue's surface. Specific symptoms of geographic tongue include discomfort of the tongue, a map-like tongue and burning or soreness when eating hot or spicy foods. Geographic tongue is typically hereditary. Some of its risk factors include suffering from psoriasis, stress, allergies and atopic dermatitis. Geographic tongue can also result from hormonal changes, having relatives with geographic tongue and using systemic steroids. Treating geographic tongue involves taking medications such as topical corticosteroids, over-the-counter pain medications, zinc supplements and anti-inflammatory medications.
Oral Cancer
The University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that oral cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the mouth and the throat. Some symptoms of oral cancer include a red or white patch on the tongue, lip or throat, a non-healing sore on the mouth or lips, vocal changes, jaw swelling and a chronic sore throat. Using tobacco and alcohol, being male, excessive sun exposure and a lack of fruits or vegetables in the diet increase the chances of developing oral cancer. Treating oral cancer involves surgically removing the oral cancer or using chemotherapy or radiation to eliminate the cancerous cells.
Leukoplakia
Leukoplakia refers to a sore that develops on the tongue or cheek that can turn cancerous. MedlinePlus says that leukoplakia can also form on female genitals. These lesions can be white, gray or red. They may be thick, raised or hardened in texture. Leukoplakia is typically caused by chronic irritation. Treating this condition involves ceasing tobacco and alcohol use. It also involves surgical removing the sore. Left untreated, leukoplakia can lead to oral cancer, chronic discomfort and infection.
