Big bumps on your tongue can be a wide variety of conditions. This includes conditions such as allergies and sexually transmitted diseases. The course of action taken to correct the big bumps will vary, depending on the condition. Some of these conditions are untreatable while others may be treated with the use of an antihistimine such as diphenhydramine.
Conditions
There are numerous types of conditions that may cause big bumps on your tongue. One cause may be a sexually transmitted disease. This includes conditions such as herpes, chlamydia and syphilis. Another condition that can cause large bumps on your tongue is mouth cancer. The leading cause of juvenile heart disease known as Kawasaki disease is also a culprit for causing large bumps on the tongue. Other contributing agents include trauma, stomatitis, canker sores, trush and leukoplakia.
Symptoms
Each condition that causes big bumps on your tongue has different symptoms that can be the difference between cancer and a canker sore. The benign condition known as leukoplakia may cause hardened areas on the tongue and on other locations in the mouth. Kawasaki disease may cause a high fever, swollen feet and lymph nodes, peeling skin and bloodshot eyes. Herpes, syphilis and chlamydia may all show no signs.
Contraction/Prevention
Contraction of some conditions causing large bumps on the tongue vary. For example, there is not a known cause for Kawasaki's or any information of how to prevent this condition. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, herpes and syphilis are all contracted through sexual contact. The best way to prevent these conditions is to use protection or abstain. Leukoplakia can be caused by tobacco products. In addition, trauma and irritation can also cause big bumps on the tongue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing these conditions is typically an easy task. A urinalysis, serum albumin, an echo cardiogram or a complete blood count can be used to diagnose Kawasaki disease. Sexually transmitted diseases can sometimes be discovered by a microscope, but a blood test known as an STD panel is the most effective way. A biopsy can be used in the diagnosis of leukoplakia and cancer. Canker sores can be diagnosed by looking at the affected area and assessing it for size, location and shape.
Treatment
The treatment of these conditions varies. Kawasaki's can be treated with an intravenous dose of gamma globulin and sometimes a high dosage of asprin. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and syphilis are treated with antibiotics. Herpes is not curable but can be controlled with medications such as Valtrex. Removal of the affected areas for conditions such as leukoplakia and cancerous conditions also are possible.
