Bumps on the underside of the tongue can interfere with eating and drinking and might cause pain and frustration. In many cases, the bumps will go away on their own within a week or two, but bumps that persist, worsen or are accompanied by other symptoms might require medical evaluation. Most bumps on the underside of the tongue are preventable and treatable with lifestyle changes and medical care.
Features
Bumps under the tongue may itch or cause pain, especially when talking, drinking or eating. In some cases, the bumps may ooze pus or bleed. Some people may develop additional symptoms along with the bumps under the tongue, such as sore throat, swollen lymph glands, fever, difficulty swallowing, numbness of the tongue or mouth and development of discolored patches on the tongue or anywhere in the mouth.
Identification
Doctors and dentists identify bumps under the tongue by performing a physical exam of the patient and taking a medical history. According to the National Cancer Institute website, the physician might perform a biopsy of the bumps and send a sample of the tissue to a pathologist for evaluation if cancer is suspected as the cause of the bumps. The pathologist diagnoses whether the bumps are cancerous by looking at the tissue under a microscope.
Causes
Canker sores are a common cause of bumps under the tongue, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians website. Syphilis, which is a sexually transmitted infection, may cause small bumps under the tongue and in the genital region. Small bumps under the tongue could result from oral cancer, which is more common among users of tobacco and those who consume heavy amounts of alcohol.
Treatments
If syphilis is the cause of the bumps under the tongue, doctors will administer at least one dose of intramuscular penicillin, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website explains that additional doses are necessary if the patient's infection is more than one year old. Doctors may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen to reduce pain caused by canker sores. The National Cancer Institute website explains that oncologists treat bumps under the tongue caused by oral cancer with surgery to remove the bumps, radiation, chemotherapy or targeted therapy with the drug cetuximab.
Prevention/Solution
Prevent infection with syphilis by maintaining a monogamous relationship and getting tested for STDs to avoid spreading infection between partners. Avoid foods such as gum, crunchy or spicy foods that may irritate bumps under the tongue caused by canker sores. To decrease the risk of bumps under the tongue caused by oral cancer, quitting smoking and alcohol use, increase intake of fruits and vegetables and get regular dental exams to detect any unusual changes or growths in the mouth.
