How Can An Enlarged Papillae On The Tongue Be Treated?

Posted on Sun, 23 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 23 Apr 2017 Answered on

Mon, 15 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Can my enlarged circumvallate papilliae or foliate papilliae be cancerous? I've had it for a while and it never bothered me at all.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
if there are no changes, then cancer is not likely

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Cancerous lesions tend to change, they change appearance (size, color, shape), may become painful , appear as erosions (eroding the surface)

If there is no significant change- no increase in size, no change in shape, pain or tenderness, no change in color then the risk of cancer is very low.

If you are noticing changes to the lesion then it should be assessed though again the chance of cancerous change is minimal.

If there are no changes but you are still concerned, then you should have the area evaluated by your doctor

I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (36 minutes later)

Do i go see a dentist for it?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
can see a dentist or ENT

Detailed Answer:
HI

You can see either a dentist or an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist, they also deal with any issues of the mouth as well

Please feel free to ask anything else

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar