Differential Diagnosis for Bump/Sores on the Tongue
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Traumatic ulcer: This is the most likely diagnosis, as bumps or sores on the tongue can often be caused by accidental bites, burns from hot food or drinks, or other minor injuries.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Aphthous ulcers: These are common, recurring ulcers that can appear on the tongue and other parts of the mouth, often caused by stress, minor mouth injury, or certain foods.
- Oral candidiasis (thrush): A fungal infection that can cause white patches or red, inflamed areas on the tongue and other parts of the mouth.
- Leukoplakia: A condition where thick, white patches or lesions develop on the tongue or other parts of the mouth, often associated with chronic irritation or tobacco use.
- Lichen planus: A chronic inflammatory condition that can cause white, lacy patches or red, inflamed areas on the tongue and other parts of the mouth.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of oral cancer that can present as a bump or sore on the tongue, often associated with tobacco use, alcohol consumption, or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
- Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection that can cause ulcers or lesions on the tongue, often associated with systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and cough.
- Syphilis: A bacterial infection that can cause painless ulcers or lesions on the tongue, often associated with other systemic symptoms such as rash, fever, and lymphadenopathy.
- Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection that can cause ulcers or lesions on the tongue, often associated with systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and cough.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic ulcer: A rare condition characterized by a painful ulcer on the tongue, often associated with eosinophilia (an increase in eosinophils, a type of white blood cell).
- Granuloma: A rare condition characterized by a benign growth on the tongue, often caused by chronic irritation or inflammation.
- Melanoma: A rare type of oral cancer that can present as a pigmented lesion on the tongue, often associated with systemic symptoms such as weight loss and fatigue.
- Wegener's granulomatosis: A rare autoimmune disorder that can cause ulcers or lesions on the tongue, often associated with systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, and respiratory symptoms.