Diagnosed with Geographical Tongue

[jgill5]

Hello, I noticed a strange sore on top of my tongue last Monday, which scared me. I ended up seeing a ENT on Wednesday.  She stated that it was Geographical tongue, but it has gotten larger since.  She prescribed me Clotrimazole lozenges and Triamcinolone paste, which the paste is disgusting.  This is really scaring me.  I am still worried that it might be something else, i.e. cancer.  Any opinions appreciated.

[SassyLassie]

Hello~I don't think you have anything to worry about. Geographical tongue is a benign condition that causes harmless tongue patches resembling smooth, red islands.
Geographic tongue is a harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue.
Symptoms include smooth, red patches on the top or side of the tongue. The patches may change location, size and shape.
Patches often heal and move elsewhere on the tongue before clearing up on their own. Pain relievers and rinses might be used in rare instances to treat symptoms.Symptoms can last as long as a year, and they may return at another point.

The cause of geographic tongue is unknown. Several factors have been proposed as possible causes such as emotional stress, psychological factors, habits, allergies, diabetes and hormonal disturbances. However, none of these factors have been conclusively linked to geographic tongue.

Vitamin B and Zinc deficiencies are often a cause, so, I would suggest taking a good, high potency "B" complex and also adding the mineral zinc to your diet.

[jgill5]

Thanks for your insight!