Yellow Tongue Differential Diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for a yellow tongue can be organized into the following categories:

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Poor oral hygiene: This is the most common cause of a yellow tongue, as bacteria and dead cells can accumulate on the surface, giving it a yellow appearance.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Smoking: Tobacco use can cause yellow or brown discoloration of the tongue due to the tar and nicotine.
  • Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can lead to a dry mouth, causing the tongue to become yellow or coated.
  • Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins such as B12 or iron can cause changes in the tongue's color and texture.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy, can cause a yellow tongue as a side effect.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Jaundice: A yellow tongue can be a sign of jaundice, which is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Jaundice is characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes, and can be caused by liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or hemolytic anemia.
  • Malignancy: In rare cases, a yellow tongue can be a sign of an underlying malignancy, such as oral cancer.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Pellagra: A rare condition caused by a deficiency in niacin (vitamin B3), which can cause a yellow tongue, skin rash, and diarrhea.
  • Carotenemia: A condition caused by an excess of carotene in the blood, which can cause a yellow discoloration of the skin and tongue.
  • Lichen planus: A rare autoimmune condition that can cause a yellow or white discoloration of the tongue, as well as other oral lesions.