Pathology · single question
A clinical photo shows a tongue with deep grooves and fissures running in multiple directions across the dorsal surface. What is the diagnosis?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Fissured tongue
Fissured tongue (scrotal tongue, lingua fissurata) = multiple grooves and fissures on the dorsal tongue. Benign. Associated with Down syndrome, Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome, or normal variant. No treatment needed.
- A. Geographic tongue = irregular map-like denuded areas with white/red borders that migrate — not deep grooves.
- B. CORRECT. Fissured tongue = multiple dorsal grooves. Benign. Associated with Down syndrome. Source confirms: 'Fissured Tongue.'
- C. Hairy tongue = elongated filiform papillae (hair-like), often black/brown discolored — not fissures.
- D. Median rhomboid glossitis = smooth erythematous rhomboid area at midline posterior dorsum — associated with candidiasis; not fissures.