Tongue Involvement in a Patient with Hemochromatosis

 

A patient with hemochromatosis may present with:

(1) generalized burning sensation of the tongue

(2) slate gray pigmentation (which may also affect the gingival, 09.23.04)

 

One or both of these findings should prompt for testing for hemochromatosis, especially if the patient has:

(1) skin pigmentation

(2) congestive heart failure

(3) liver disease

(4) diabetes mellitus

(5) arthralgias and/or arthritis

(6) impotence (if male)

 

Differential diagnosis of slate gray pigmentation of the tongue:

(1) hemochromatosis

(2) malignant melanoma

(3) tattoo

(4) Addison's disease

(5) heavy metal poisoning