Differential Diagnosis for Bumps on Tongue
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Transient lingual papillitis (TLP): This condition is characterized by the sudden appearance of small, painful bumps on the tongue, often due to viral infections, trauma, or allergic reactions. It's a common and usually self-limiting condition.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Geographic tongue: A benign condition where areas of the tongue's surface appear as if they are "worn away," leaving red, smooth patches with raised borders. It can sometimes present with bumps or lesions.
- Oral candidiasis (thrush): A fungal infection that can cause white patches or bumps on the tongue and other parts of the mouth.
- Irritation or trauma: Accidental biting of the tongue, eating hot or spicy foods, or using a sharp object in the mouth can cause bumps or sores.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed)
- Oral cancer: Although rare, bumps on the tongue can be a sign of oral cancer, especially if they are persistent, growing, or accompanied by other symptoms like difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck.
- Syphilis: The primary stage of syphilis can manifest as a single, painless sore (chancre) on the tongue or other parts of the mouth.
- Tuberculosis: Rarely, tuberculosis can affect the tongue, causing bumps, ulcers, or other lesions.
- Rare diagnoses
- Eosinophilic ulcer: A rare condition characterized by a painful ulcer on the tongue, often associated with eosinophilia.
- Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: A rare neurological disorder that can cause swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, along with the development of folds or bumps on the tongue.
- Hairy leukoplakia: A rare condition seen in immunocompromised patients, characterized by white patches on the tongue that can appear as bumps or lesions.