Slightly Hardened Area On Frontal Tongue, Painful, Have Increased Salivation. What Is It?

Posted on Fri, 3 May 2013

Question: I have developed in the past 48 hours a painful slightly hardened area on the left front of my tongue. It is not red or an open sore but it is interfering with my eating and sleep and I have increased salivation. What's going on and how may I alleviate the symptoms?

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The painful lump is most probably an area of inflammation.

2. This may result due to a tongue bite, an allergy, a foreign body, a blood borne infection, drug induced reactions and nutritional deficiencies.

3. You may try an OTC painkiller (anti-inflammatory) for a day since there is increased salivation and interference with eating and sleeping.

4. If there is no improvement, you must make an appointment with a dentist or ENT specialist for a direct examination and palpation. You doctor may order a USG (Ultrasound) to inspect the deeper tissue, blood tests and a tongue doppler if available.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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