A health condition in which the tongue becomes enlarged is called macroglossia (sometimes, it is called giant tongue or enlarged tongue). However, this is a rare disorder that mostly affects children. Commonly, those who develop macroglossia also have other health conditions, such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome or Down syndrome.
Furthermore, people with macroglossia may also develop some types of cancer or severe infections. Usually, doctors suspect this condition when the tongue sticks out of the mouth. You may also experience problems with eating, breathing, or talking.
Generally, it is challenging to estimate how many people have this condition. In most cases, macroglossia is a symptom of other health conditions, and not everyone who has them will develop macroglossia.
Symptoms
While the most common symptom of this condition is an enlarged tongue, it may also cause other symptoms. Examples include:
- Stridor (noisy or high-pitched breathing)
- Stertor (snoring or low-pitched breathing)
- Drooling
- Speaking problems
- Dysphagia (swallowing problems)
If your child has any of the previous symptoms, do not hesitate to see a doctor because they may indicate a more serious health condition.
Causes
In general, macroglossia may occur due to multiple reasons. In rare cases, babies are born with an oversized tongue but without other health problems. Commonly, macroglossia is a symptom of other diseases. These include inherited disorders, acquired health conditions, some medical treatments, and surgeries.
Inherited Disorders
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome – This is a growth disorder that causes large body size and organs. It may also increase the risk for developing certain health conditions (such as cancer). About 90% of children with this syndrome also develop macroglossia.
- Hurler/Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis) – This medical term is used to describe a group of conditions that negatively affect the body’s ability to break down sugar molecules.
- Down syndrome – Those who are born with this syndrome have an extra chromosome that may change the way their brain and body develop. Therefore, it may lead to specific physical and mental challenges.
Acquired Conditions
These diseases may include metabolic or endocrine conditions, such as hypothyroidism, infections (such as diphtheria), and others. Examples include:
- Amyloidosis – This condition is a protein disorder in which the tissues and organs in the body begin to work improperly. One of the most common symptoms of amyloidosis is macroglossia.
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) – This is a thyroid disease in which the thyroid gland produces reduced amounts of hormone. It causes your metabolism to slow down, which may lead to macroglossia (especially in children).
- Acromegaly – This is a rare disorder that causes the body to release increased amounts of growth hormone. Thus, people may have oversized tongues, jaws, hands, and feet.
- Diphtheria – This condition is an infectious disorder that causes the tongue to swell.
Tumors
While it is less common, macroglossia can be a symptom of the following benign or cancerous tumors. Examples include:
- Lymphangioma – This is a noncancerous tumor that often appears in the lymphatic system. It also causes fluid-filled cysts on the mucous membranes in the mouth.
- Hemangioma – This is another benign tumor that often grows from blood vessels.
- Lymphoma – This is a type of cancer that negatively affects the lymphatic system.
What Are The Long-term Effects of Macroglossia?
Those who suffer from this condition may also experience the following complications. Examples include:
- Airway obstruction – If your tongue is enlarged, it may block the upper airway (especially when lying down).
- Frequent infections
- Sleep apnea
- Malocclusion
- Dental spacing
- Ulceration
- Articulation errors
- Social stigma
- Cardiac problems (such as heart strain and pulmonary hypertension)
- Metabolic syndromes
This article does not contain a full list of complications. However, you can talk with your physician about ways to reduce the risk of developing it. In addition, most of the time, macroglossia is linked with other health conditions that cannot be prevented. However, if you develop macroglossia due to an infectious disease, it can be prevented.
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis of macroglossia begins with a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to this condition. Therefore, doctors may perform some tests to determine the underlying cause. They often perform:
- CT (computerized tomography) scans – This is an imaging test used to get cross-sectional images of different structures and organs in the body. In such cases, it may help get images of the child’s mouth, head, and neck.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans – This is a specific imaging test used to get detailed images of different structures in the body.
Treatment
Sometimes, people with macroglossia do not need treatment because they outgrow the condition as the bones in their face grow. However, doctors may prescribe some treatments for the underlying conditions. Examples include:
- Corticosteroids – This is a group of medicines used to reduce swelling.
- Orthodontic treatment
- Surgery – Approximately 10% of people with macroglossia need surgery to reduce the size of their tongues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect if my child has macroglossia?
Mostly, macroglossia is a symptom of other health conditions. If you notice your child has an enlarged tongue without an obvious reason, you should visit a doctor right away. However, not everyone who develops macroglossia needs treatment.
What does macroglossia look like?
Usually, children with this condition have tongues that are disproportionately large for their mouths. Sometimes, the tongue may even protrude from the mouth, negatively affecting the tooth placement and ability to eat or speak. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
What vitamin deficiency causes macroglossia?
Sometimes, children may develop a health condition similar to macroglossia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. It is called B12 deficiency glossitis (inflammation of the tongue). If you have any other questions, ask your healthcare provider.
