Median Rhomboid Glossitis

Abstract

Median rhomboid glossitis (MRG) is defined as the central papillary atrophy of the tongue and it affects 0.25–5.42 % of the population. It consists of a well-defined smooth, reddish, or pinkish area on the dorsum of the tongue located in the midline anterior to the circumvallate papillae. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic, although some patients may complain of persistent pain, irritation, or pruritus. Despite the relative frequency of MRG, little is known about its etiology. There are several predisposing factors associated with MRG such as smoking, denture wearing, diabetes mellitus, as well as candidal infections. If MRG is asymptomatic, no treatment is necessary; if the lesion is painful, a topical antifungal agent may be indicated.