Median rhomboid glossitis is a rare form of chronic inflammation affecting the tongue.
Synonym: chronic candidiasis, central papillary atrophy
Clinical findings:
(1) The tongue shows a midline rhomboid-shaped plaque anterior to the foramen cecum that may range from red to red-white in color.
(2) A biopsy of the area may show atrophy of filiform papillae and chronic inflammation, often with yeast forms. Areas of hyperkeratosis may be present.
(3) A patient may experience a burning sensation when eating certain foods.
Risk factors:
(1) male gender
(2) chronic candidiasis
(3) immunosuppression
The presence median rhomboid glossitis and chronic inflammation of the hard plaate may be seen in patients infected with HIV.
Differential diagnosis:
(1) cancer of the tongue
(2) leukoplakia
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