Tongue involvement in lepromatous leprosy.

BACKGROUND: Involvement of the oral cavity in lepromatous leprosy is well-documented. The tongue may demonstrate multiple nodules, thickening, and scarring.

METHODS: Ten consecutive untreated patients with lepromatous leprosy with a bacteriologic index of 4+ or more were clinically and histopathologically studied for evidence of tongue involvement.

RESULTS: Three patients showed clinical tongue involvement, as a nodulo-plaque lesion in one patient and fissured tongue (lingua plicata) in two patients. Tongue was clinically normal or showed nonspecific changes in the remaining seven patients. Histologic evidence of tongue involvement by lepromatous process was seen in six patients, including three without clinical involvement.

CONCLUSIONS: We conclude from this study that the tongue is as prone to involvement by lepromatous process as buccal and palatal mucosa.