[Specific tongue involvement revealing sarcoidosis]

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown aetiology. Tongue involvement is extremely rare. Herein we report a new case.

A 65-year-old woman presented with a 6-month history of painless multiple nodules on the tongue. The patient also complained of xerostomia. Besides nodules on the tongue, physical examination revealed erythematous nodules on the dorsum of the hands and feet. A diagnosis of sarcoidosis with tongue, cutaneous and salivary gland involvement was made on the basis of these findings and further investigations performed. The patient's condition showed improvement with partial regression of tongue lesions after oral steroid therapy.

Tongue involvement in sarcoidosis is exceedingly rare. It may be isolated or part of a generalized multisystem sarcoidosis. Nodules, indurations and swelling are the most common clinical manifestations. Management of tongue sarcoidosis is not consensual. Oral corticosteroids appear to be the most effective therapy.

Sarcoidosis of the tongue should be considered when chronic unexplained nodules are noted. Diagnosis can easily be confirmed by a histological examination of mucosal biopsy.