Persistent Redness Under the Tongue: Causes and Concerns

Q: Persistent Redness Under the Tongue: Causes and Concerns

Hello： 1. If the biopsy has confirmed inflammatory hyperplasia, it is likely not cancer. 2. This should be a normal postoperative finding. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Gene

Redness under the tip of the tongue?

Hello doctor, I previously asked you about the redness under my tongue.
In July, I had it on the left side, which resolved once.
At the beginning of August, I had it on the right side, which also resolved.
In mid-August, I had a larger area of redness that did not improve for a month and remained red.
Later, on September 21, I had a biopsy that indicated inflammation and hyperplasia, but the results were normal.
The redness under my tongue returned to its normal color around October 11.
However, on November 4, for some reason, the same area became red again, resembling the mid-August redness but appearing slightly larger.
Last week, I visited the doctor again, who performed a physical examination and said everything felt normal and looked normal.
The doctor suggested that there might be an issue with my immune system and recommended that I see an immunologist.
The red area does not hurt, and although it is slightly larger than in August, it has not been growing.
It has been over two weeks now.
I am very concerned about the cause of the redness under my tongue.
I do not eat spicy foods, and since mid-August, I have only been eating warm foods.

1.
Given the recurring redness under my tongue, am I at risk of developing something serious?
2.
Additionally, the biopsy wound from September 21 was about 0.55 cm, and it took roughly a month for the wound to completely heal to the color of the tongue mucosa.
Since the healing began, I have felt a sticky sensation at the biopsy site, which persists to this day.
Is this normal?

Wenwen, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/22

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello: 1.
If the biopsy has confirmed inflammatory hyperplasia, it is likely not cancer.
2.
This should be a normal postoperative finding.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/11/22

More Info

Persistent redness under the tongue can be concerning, especially when it recurs frequently and is accompanied by other symptoms. Based on your description, it seems that you have experienced episodes of redness that have been evaluated through a biopsy, which returned normal results. This is a positive sign, as it indicates that there are no malignancies or severe pathological changes in the tissue. However, the ongoing nature of the redness and your concerns about potential underlying issues warrant further exploration.

There are several potential causes for persistent redness under the tongue, including:
1. Inflammation: The inflammation you experienced could be due to various factors, including irritation from certain foods, allergies, or even stress. Chronic inflammation can sometimes lead to changes in the tissue, resulting in redness.

2. Allergic Reactions: Allergies to certain foods, medications, or oral hygiene products can cause localized redness and swelling. If you have introduced any new products or foods into your routine, consider whether they could be contributing to your symptoms.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins, particularly B vitamins (like B12) and iron, can lead to changes in the oral mucosa, including redness and soreness. A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining oral health, so it may be beneficial to evaluate your nutritional intake.

4. Autoimmune Conditions: Your doctor’s suggestion to consult an immunologist may be prudent, especially if there is a suspicion of an autoimmune disorder. Conditions like lichen planus or oral lichen planus can cause persistent lesions or redness in the mouth.

5. Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene can lead to various oral health issues, including inflammation of the mucosa. Ensuring that you maintain good oral hygiene practices is essential.

6. Stress and Anxiety: Psychological factors can also manifest physically, leading to symptoms such as oral discomfort or changes in the mucosa. Stress management techniques may help alleviate some of these symptoms.

Regarding your concerns about the potential for developing "bad things" due to the persistent redness, it is understandable to feel anxious. However, since your biopsy results were normal, it is unlikely that this condition is indicative of a serious underlying issue. Nonetheless, continuous monitoring and follow-up with your healthcare provider are essential.

As for the sensation of "stickiness" at the biopsy site, it is not uncommon to experience some residual sensations after a biopsy. The healing process can vary from person to person, and it may take time for the area to fully return to normal. If the sensation persists or worsens, or if you notice any new symptoms, it would be wise to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, while persistent redness under the tongue can be concerning, the normal biopsy results are reassuring. It is essential to continue working with your healthcare team to explore potential underlying causes, including nutritional deficiencies or autoimmune conditions. Keeping a detailed record of your symptoms, dietary habits, and any changes in your health can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider. If you have further concerns or if your symptoms change, do not hesitate to seek medical advice.

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