Differential Diagnosis for Tongue Swelling after Surgery or Trauma
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Allergic reaction to medication: This is a common cause of tongue swelling, especially if the patient has been given new medications during surgery. The reaction can be anaphylactic, which is life-threatening, or a milder form of angioedema.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Trauma to the tongue: Direct injury to the tongue during surgery or post-operative period can cause swelling.
- Infection: Bacterial or viral infections can cause tongue swelling, especially if the tongue was traumatized during surgery.
- Abscess: A collection of pus on the tongue can cause swelling and is usually accompanied by pain and fever.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Angioedema due to ACE inhibitor use: If the patient is taking ACE inhibitors, they are at risk for angioedema, which can cause rapid swelling of the tongue and airway compromise.
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause tongue swelling, airway compromise, and cardiovascular collapse.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Tongue cancer: Although rare, cancer of the tongue can cause swelling, especially if it is advanced.
- Neurological disorders: Certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or peripheral neuropathy, can cause tongue swelling, although this is rare.
- Genetic disorders: Conditions like hereditary angioedema can cause recurrent episodes of tongue swelling, although this is rare.