GEOGRAPHICAL TONGUE Meaning and
Definition
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Geographical tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis or erythema migrans, is a common, usually harmless condition affecting the surface of the tongue. It is characterized by irregularly shaped, red or white patches on the top and sides of the tongue, which resemble the outlines of a map or the coastlines of continents, hence the name "geographical tongue."
The exact cause of geographical tongue is unknown, but it is believed to be a result of various factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and immune system abnormalities. The condition is not contagious and does not pose any serious health risks. However, it may cause discomfort or sensitivity while eating acidic or spicy foods.
The appearance of the patches tends to change over time, as they may move or disappear and reappear in different areas of the tongue. These patches are usually painless, although in some cases, individuals may experience a burning or stinging sensation on the affected areas. Occasionally, the condition may be associated with other oral health issues, such as fissured tongue or psoriasis.
Geographical tongue is usually a self-limiting condition that does not require treatment. However, if the discomfort becomes significant or if the patient is experiencing persistent symptoms, a dentist or oral healthcare professional may suggest certain measures to alleviate the symptoms, such as avoiding trigger foods or using over-the-counter mouth rinses for relief.
Overall, geographical tongue is a relatively common, benign condition affecting the surface of the tongue, characterized by irregular patches that resemble the appearance of a map. Although it does not typically require treatment, it may cause discomfort and sensitivity in some cases.
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The occurrence on the dorsum of the tongue of peripherally spreading scaly patches, the coalescence and mutual interference of the edges of which produce an irregular map like appearance.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GEOGRAPHICAL TONGUE
- feographical tongue
- veographical tongue
- beographical tongue
- heographical tongue
- yeographical tongue
- teographical tongue
- gwographical tongue
- gsographical tongue
- gdographical tongue
- grographical tongue
- g4ographical tongue
- g3ographical tongue
- geigraphical tongue
- gekgraphical tongue
- gelgraphical tongue
- gepgraphical tongue
- ge0graphical tongue
- ge9graphical tongue
- geofraphical tongue
- geovraphical tongue
Etymology of GEOGRAPHICAL TONGUE
The term "geographical tongue" is made up of two components: "geographical" and "tongue".
1. Geographical: The word "geographical" comes from the Greek word "geōgraphikos", which is derived from "geōgraphein". "Geō" means "earth" or "land", and "graphein" means "to write". Therefore, "geographical" refers to anything related to the description or study of the Earth's physical features, such as land, countries, regions, etc. In the context of "geographical tongue", it refers to a peculiar condition affecting the surface of the tongue.
2. Tongue: The word "tongue" comes from the Old English "tunge", which is ultimately derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*tungǭ".
