Enlarged tongue also called as Macroglossia or tongue hypertrophy or prolapses of the tongue. Macroglossia, meaning large tongue, has been a documented anatomical anomaly for several centuries. Severe enlargement of the tongue can cause cosmetic and functional difficulties including in speaking, eating, swallowing and sleeping. Macroglossia is uncommon and usually occurs in children. The exact incidence of Macroglossia is unknown because the causes are too numerous to quantify. In Beckwith-Weidman syndrome, 97.5% of patients have macroglossia. Macroglossia has an extensive list of possible causes. Its treatment has been largely surgical in the modern era
Two types of Macroglossia are present
True macroglossia is associated with definitive histopathological findings. True macroglossia may be primary—characterized by hypertrophy or hyperplasia of the tongue muscles and it may be secondary-the result of infiltration of normal tissue with anomalous elements.
Causes of true macroglossia include congenital and acquired causes
Congenital causes:-
Acquired causes:-
In Pseudomacroglossia, an individual has a normal sized tongue that, as a result of oral or skeletal abnormalities. It includes any of the following conditions, which force the tongue to sit in an abnormal position
Treatment of Macroglossia depends upon its cause and also upon the severity of the enlargement and symptoms it is causing. No treatment may be required for mild cases or cases with minimal symptoms. Surgery is indicated for the severe cases. The goal of the surgery is to reduce tongue size and thereby improve function. Those main functions include chewing, swallowing, protection of the airway, and gustation. Treatment may also involve correction of orthodontic abnormalities that may have been caused by enlarged tongue. Treatment o0f any underlying systemic disease may be required.