Geographic Tongue — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyOral MedicineGeographic TongueORE Part 1

A 42-year-old man has geographic tongue (benign migratory glossitis). He has no soreness or other symptoms but is concerned that it may be cancer. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: B — Reassure and review at routine dental examinations

Geographic tongue is a benign, non-infectious condition with no association with oral cancer. In an asymptomatic patient with a typical established diagnosis, management is reassurance and routine observation. UK oral-medicine information states that special investigations are generally unnecessary and that treatment is required only if soreness occurs. Biopsy or an urgent suspected-cancer referral would be appropriate only if the presentation were atypical or clinically suspicious, neither of which is described. Antifungal treatment is not indicated because geographic tongue is not candidosis; it may be used only for separate, coexistent thrush. Topical corticosteroids may occasionally be considered for troublesome symptoms, but this patient is asymptomatic and therefore does not require drug treatment.

Reference: British and Irish Society for Oral Medicine. Geographic Tongue patient information leaflet (hosted by Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust), October 2019, review date October 2022. https://www.qvh.nhs.uk/download/patient-information-leaflets/bisom-geographic-tongue/