Do painless tongue nodules persisting since two years need medical attention?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30-year-old male, standing six feet tall and not smoking. My alcohol consumption is limited to once a month.

I have known the nodules on the side of my tongue near the back for at least two years. They appeared around the same time two years ago and have remained unchanged in size or shape since then.

Fortunately, they do not cause me any discomfort.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We feel glad that you reached out to us.

Our tongue is a remarkable muscular organ with various functions, such as speech, chewing, swallowing, and sensory perception. It plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by sensing touch and taste.

The tongue's surface is covered with different papillae, including foliate papillae on the back of the tongue's lateral border. While these papillae are typically rudimentary in most adults, they may occasionally appear as raised folds on the side of the tongue.

The structures you have noticed are likely foliate papillae, which are entirely normal. You can search for images of foliate papillae online for reference and reassurance.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Foliate papillae are typically found only on the side of the posterior part of the tongue. Occasionally, friction between the tongue and teeth can cause swelling on that side of the tongue, especially if there are broken or sharp edges on the posterior teeth.

However, I believe this is different for you. It is a normal anatomical feature of the tongue, and many people have prominent foliate papillae without any issues.

Since these papillae are located on the posterior part of the tongue, they are not usually visible, just like the largest papillae, vallate papillae, which are also located on the posterior part.

Unlike the visible smoother anterior part of the tongue, the posterior part has a different texture.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.