Enlarged Fungiform Papillae: Causes and Treatment
Have you noticed bumps on your tongue lately? These small bumps, known as fungiform papillae, are usually the same color as the rest of your tongue and help give it a rough surface for eating. However, sometimes these papillae can become enlarged and more noticeable, causing discomfort. If the bumps don’t go away and start to spread and grow, it’s important to see a doctor as it can make it difficult to eat.
Here are some common causes of tongue bumps and how to treat them:
Lie Bumps (Transient Lingual Papilitis)
- Lie bumps are common and can cause the papillae to become slightly swollen and turn white or red. The exact cause is unknown, but they are thought to be related to hormones, stress, or reactions to certain foods.
- Lie bumps usually go away on their own, but you can provide relief by avoiding spicy foods and opting for smoother foods. Saltwater rinses may also help.
Canker Sores (Aptus Ulcers)
- Canker sores can show up anywhere on the tongue and have no known cause. They appear as red sores and can be painful, but they usually go away in 7-10 days without treatment.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and some patience can help alleviate the pain while waiting for the sores to heal.
Syphilis
- Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that shows up as a small, painless sore but can quickly turn into a rash. It’s important to take this painless sore seriously and get treatment, which typically involves an antibiotic course for 1-2 weeks.
Squamous Papilloma (Associated with HPV)
- This condition, caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), results in a benign, painless bump on the tongue. The bump can easily be removed with laser ablation or surgery.
Scarlet Fever
- Scarlet fever is a contagious but mild illness that can cause the tongue to become red, bumpy, and swollen (a condition known as “strawberry tongue”). It can be treated with antibiotics to treat the fever.
Other Causes of Tongue Bumps
- Glossitis, due to inflammation
- Traumatic fibroma, due to chronic irritation of the tongue
- Lymphopithyl cysts, which appear underneath the tongue without any known cause
It’s important to note that while most tongue bumps are benign, some can be cancerous and indicate mouth cancer, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common. If you have a bump on your tongue that doesn’t go away or seems abnormal in any way, it’s important to see a doctor for a biopsy and potential treatment such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
FAQs:
How do I know if my tongue bumps are serious?
If the bumps don't go away after a while and start to spread and grow, it's important to see a doctor as it can make it difficult to eat. It's also important to see a doctor if you have a bump on your tongue that doesn't go away or seems abnormal in any way, as it could be a sign of mouth cancer.
How do I prevent tongue bumps?
Some tips for preventing tongue bumps include: Maintaining good oral hygiene Avoiding spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the tongue Drinking plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated Avoiding tobacco and alcohol use Seeking treatment for any underlying medical conditions that may cause tongue bumps (such as syphilis or HPV)
Can tongue bumps be painful?
Some types of tongue bumps, such as canker sores, can be painful. Others, like lie bumps and squamous papilloma, may not be painful. If you have tongue bumps that are causing you pain, it's important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
