Differential Diagnosis for Tongue Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Burning mouth syndrome: This condition is characterized by a burning sensation on the tongue and other parts of the mouth without any visible signs of disease. It's a common cause of tongue pain, especially in postmenopausal women.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Trauma: Accidental bites, cuts, or burns to the tongue can cause pain.
- Oral thrush: A fungal infection that can cause white patches and pain on the tongue.
- Geographic tongue: A condition characterized by the appearance of single or multiple, well-demarcated areas of erythema on the tongue, which can be painful.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 or iron can cause tongue pain and changes in the appearance of the tongue.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Oral cancer: Although less common, tongue pain can be a symptom of oral cancer, which requires early detection for effective treatment.
- Angina bullosa hemorrhagica: A condition characterized by the sudden onset of blood-filled blisters on the tongue or oral mucosa, which can be painful and may indicate an underlying bleeding disorder.
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia: A rare condition that causes sharp, stabbing pain in the tongue and throat, which can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition.
- Rare diagnoses
- Pemphigus vulgaris: A rare autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, including the tongue.
- Aphthous ulcers: Also known as canker sores, these are small, painful ulcers that can appear on the tongue and other parts of the mouth.
- Erythema multiforme: A rare skin condition that can cause painful lesions on the tongue and other parts of the body.