What Causes A Black Spot On Tongue?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jul 2015

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

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 Answered on

Mon, 3 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I found a black spot on my tongue today. I was prompted to look because it felt tender in my mouth and I thought I may have bit it. Thats how it feels anyway. seems to be in the dorsal side on the right. Seems to be on the surface. I am concerned because I am 30 and have been smoking off and on since I was 18.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
For now, put an eye on it, only!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this black spot and all the disturbing thoughts this has caused you. I have revised the attached image. I am certain you are very much afraid of a possible cancer as a result of your smoking. The good news is that this is very unlikely to be any form of cancer. However, we simply have to put an eye on it. I expect that this will resolve spontaneously without need for any specific medical intervention.

This brings you to seriously consider whether smoking is good for your health. Would you want to panic all the times because of the numerous diseases that smoking exposes you to? If i were in your shoes, I will seriously consider saying enough is enough. It is never and easy decision but one that you will live to celebrate all your life.

In all, not suggestive of cancer. Benign in nature and I expect that it should regress spontaneously. Update me in 5days with another image for evaluation.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

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