AMYLOIDOSIS OF THE TONGUE: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Amyloidosis is characterized by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in tissues and organs. This study presents a case of amyloidosis of the tongue. A 65-year-old male patient presented with an irregular and hardened swelling in the lateral tongue, causing significant macroglossia. The patient also demonstrated significant dyspnea and lower extremity edema. Diagnostic hypotheses were malignant tumor and oral manifestation of systemic disease. An incisional biopsy was performed and revealed extracellular deposition of amorphous, eosinophilic, hyaline-like material in the submucosal connective tissue. To confirm the presence of amyloid, staining with Congo red was performed, which showed peach red color on light microscopy and apple green birefringence on polarized light microscopy. The patient was referred to the rheumatology department but died 15 days after diagnosis. Amyloidosis is a rare disease and requires early diagnosis due to the possibility of systemic involvement.