Atrophic glossitis as a clinical signs of severe anemia – Report of two cases

Abstract

Atrophic glossitis is a clinical condition observed in tongue. It presents with considerable loss of taste buds under a red or pink background. Atrophic glossitis occurs by atrophy of the filiform and fungiform papillae of the tongue. In general, atrophic glossitis is caused by nutritional deficiency. This condition mainly affects elderly and debilitated patients. Patients may experience symptoms such as pain or burning at the site. The purpose of this article is to describe two cases of atrophic glossitis. The first case was associated with immunosuppression due to HIV and the second one due to malignancy. Atrophic glossitis is a benign condition and your knowledge is of great importance because it is often an early sign of some systemic disease. The clinician should be aware of the clinical signs for the diagnosis to be confirmed by some laboratory tests. Treatment consists of nutritional deficit and repair intervention on the underlying disease.