Etiology • Macroglossia is a clinical sign caused by one of the following
many conditions: • Angioedema/allergic reaction • Infection/abscess formation • Inflammation related to trauma • Granulomatous disease (sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, deep
fungal infections) • Congenital disease (muscle hypertrophy or lymphangioma) • Metabolic alteration (amyloidosis) • Endocrine-related condition (acromegaly) • Neoplasia/hamartomatous condition (neurofibromatosis)
Clinical Presentation • Usually diffuse enlargement; infectious forms may be asymmet-
many conditions: • Angioedema/allergic reaction • Infection/abscess formation • Inflammation related to trauma • Granulomatous disease (sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, deep
fungal infections) • Congenital disease (muscle hypertrophy or lymphangioma) • Metabolic alteration (amyloidosis) • Endocrine-related condition (acromegaly) • Neoplasia/hamartomatous condition (neurofibromatosis)
Clinical Presentation • Usually diffuse enlargement; infectious forms may be asymmet-
ric and focal • Transient forms often arise quickly. • Persistent forms evolve slowly, may cause splaying of teeth
and scalloping of tongue borders, and may result in functional problems (speaking, swallowing, deglutition)
Diagnosis • Biopsy
Differential Diagnosis • See “Etiology.”
Treatment • Management is related to etiology and extent of involvement • Surgical reduction in certain cases
Prognosis • Related to etiology; from excellent to fair