Differential Diagnosis for Bumps on the Tongue
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Transient lingual papillitis (TLP) - This is a common, benign condition characterized by small, painful bumps on the tongue, often caused by irritation, trauma, or viral infections.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Oral candidiasis (thrush) - A fungal infection that can cause white bumps or patches on the tongue and other oral mucous membranes.
- Geographic tongue - A harmless condition where areas of the tongue appear denuded of papillae, giving it a "geographic" appearance with bumps at the edges of the lesions.
- Irritation or trauma - Accidental biting of the tongue, eating spicy or acidic foods, or using a sharp object to scrape the tongue can cause bumps.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Oral cancer - Although rare, bumps on the tongue can be a sign of oral cancer, particularly if they are persistent, growing, or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck.
- Syphilis - The secondary stage of syphilis can cause mucous patches or bumps on the tongue.
- Tuberculosis - Rarely, tuberculosis can manifest orally, including bumps on the tongue.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Eosinophilic ulcer - A rare condition characterized by a solitary, painful ulcer or bump on the tongue, often associated with eosinophilia.
- Hairy leukoplakia - A rare condition seen in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with HIV/AIDS, causing white patches or bumps on the tongue.
- Lingual thyroid - A rare congenital anomaly where thyroid tissue is present on the tongue, which can cause a bump or mass.