Fissured Tongue — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyOral MedicineFissured TongueORE Part 1

A 50-year-old patient attends for a routine dental examination. The dorsal tongue has multiple deep grooves and fissures, with otherwise normal mucosa. The patient has no soreness or other symptoms. What is the most appropriate management?

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Correct answer: C — Provide reassurance and routine oral hygiene advice

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as C · E = shown as D · D = shown as E

A is correct. Fissured tongue is a benign, usually asymptomatic condition characterised by grooves on the dorsal surface of the tongue. It does not require drug treatment, so reassurance and routine oral hygiene advice are appropriate. Biopsy would be indicated only for an atypical or suspicious lesion, such as an ulcer, induration or persistent focal mass. Antifungal treatment is not indicated without clinical candidosis, such as soreness, erythema or removable white plaques. Topical corticosteroids are not appropriate for uncomplicated asymptomatic fissuring and are used selectively for symptomatic inflammatory conditions. Referral is unnecessary where the appearance is typical and there are no concerning features.

Reference: Kauffman T, et al. Common Tongue Conditions in Primary Care. American Family Physician, 2024. PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39556628/