Tongue bumps come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on what is causing the bumps.
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What Do Tongue Bumps Look Like?
There are many types of bumps (papillae) on the tongue, each with its own purpose.
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You usually wouldnt notice fungiform papillae because theyre pink and flat and blend in with the tongue.
However, certain conditions can cause noticeable bumps on the tongue.
What Can Cause Tongue Bumps?
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The causes of tongue bumps vary greatly, from simple injury to more serious health conditions.
Some bumps are characteristic of a certain condition but are always best diagnosed by a healthcare provider.
The bumps are usually painful.
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A canker sore starts out as a red bump or spot that turns into an open sore.
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If the papillae become irritated, you may notice bumps.
Oral allergy syndrome is common among people with pollen allergies.
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Reproduced with permission from DermNet NZdermnetnz.org2023.
Squamous Papilloma
Squamous cell papilloma is a noncancerous growth.
It can appear on different tissues in the body, where squamous cells are found.
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which includes the mouth and tongue.
Squamous cell papilloma that affects the mouth is commonly found on the tongue.
Squamous cell papilloma usually appears as a single soft mass on a stalk or stem with fingerlike projections.
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Syphilis lesions can appear on the inner lips and tongue.
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Glossitis
Glossitis is when the tongue becomes inflamed and looks swollen.
Glossitis can cause the normal bumps on the tongue to disappear, giving the tongue a smooth appearance.
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Oral Cancer
Oral canceris a bang out of head and neck cancer.
Cancer cells can develop from the squamous cells in the mouth, including the tongue.
Lymphoepithelial Cysts
Lymphoepithelial cystsare small bumps that can occur on the tongue or floor of the mouth.
Lymphoepithelial cysts are small, yellowish or white in color, and usually not painful.
The provider will look inside your mouth and at your tongue to check for bumps or other symptoms.
Some characteristic bumps, like strawberry tongue, may be diagnosed from a physical exam alone.
Some tongue bumps will go away on their own.
Merck Manual Consumer Version.Tongue sores and bumps.
NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Fever blisters & canker sores.
Cedars Sinai.Herpes simplex virus (HSV) mouth infection.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Oral herpes.
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.Oral allergy syndrome (OAS).
MedlinePlus.Thrush - children and adults.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About syphilis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About scarlet fever.
2022;16(1):268-277. doi:10.1007/s12105-021-01352-2
MedlinePlus.Dental exam.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Oral cavity cancer.
