Definition
Macroglossia is an unusual volumetric growth of the tongue.
An enlarged tongue can be found in the presence of amyloidosis and endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism and acromegaly. Other times, it comes from congenital causes, such as Down syndrome.
An excessive swelling of the tongue can also be a consequence of inflammatory processes, vascular malformations (eg lymphangioma or hemangioma) and tumors (eg neoplasms of the tongue).
Macroglossia can lead to difficulty in breathing, speech and chewing.
The photo shows an example of immoderate growth of the tongue, called macroglossia - taken from: medicalzone.net
Possible Causes * of Macroglossia
- Acromegaly
- Amyloidosis
- Hypothyroidism
- Down syndrome
