Evaluation of Coincidence of Geographic or Fissured Tongue with Inflammation of Lymphoid Tissue

Abstract

Introduction: Geographic tongue and fissured tongue are the most common developmental tongue disorders. One of their causes is allergy. Allergy usually is accompanied by different abnormalities such as lymphoid hyperplasia and post nasal discharge (PND). The purpose of this study was assessing coincidence of oral lymphatic condition and PND in patients with geographic or fissured tongue. Materials & methods: This case control study was done on 190 patients referring to oral medicine department of Yazd dental school with convenience sampling method. All patients were divided into two groups, the first group with geographic or fissured tongue and the other one without it. After taking informed consent, all of them were examined for PND and involvement of Waldeyer's lymphatic ring. Finally the results of both groups were compared with Chi-Square test and SPSS 17 software. Findings: 19 persons of examined patients (10%) in this study had tongue tonsils. Involvement of pharyngeal tonsils were seen in 30 and 21 persons in case and control group respectively.According to the results, it was found that, there was a significant relationship between the involvement of Waldeyer's lymphatic ring and the presence of geographic or fissured tongue (Pvalue=.015). 20 persons in case group (21.1%) had PND, and there was no significant relationship between PND and geographic or fissured tongue (Pvalue=.562). Discussion & conclusions: According to significant difference in Waldeyer's lymphatic ring involvement in groups, the probable signs and symptoms of allergy should be considered in these patients. Also, with regular follow up in these susceptible persons well-timed diagnosis and treatment could be achieved.