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Tongue involvement in lepromatous leprosy
V K Sharma1, S Kaur, B D Radotra
1Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
International Journal of Dermatology
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Leprosy can affect the tongue, causing visible lesions or subtle changes. Histopathology reveals tongue involvement in lepromatous leprosy is common, even without apparent clinical signs.
Area of Science:
- Oral medicine
- Dermatology
- Infectious diseases
Background:
- The oral cavity, particularly the tongue, is known to be affected in lepromatous leprosy.
- Clinical manifestations include nodules, thickening, and scarring of the tongue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of tongue involvement in untreated patients with lepromatous leprosy.
Main Methods:
- Clinical examination and histopathological analysis of the tongue were performed.
- Ten consecutive untreated patients with lepromatous leprosy (bacteriologic index 4+) were included.
Main Results:
- Three patients exhibited clinical tongue involvement (nodulo-plaque lesion or fissured tongue).
- Histologic evidence of leprosy involvement was found in six patients, with three showing no clinical signs.
- Seven patients had clinically normal or non-specific tongue changes.
Conclusions:
- The tongue is highly susceptible to lepromatous leprosy, similar to the buccal and palatal mucosa.
- Histopathological examination is crucial for diagnosing tongue involvement, as clinical signs may be absent.