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What Causes Tongue Widening?

Posted on Mon, 6 Nov 2017

Question: Hi, I was why my tongue seems wider than it has ever been. I am fifty plus and have been through chemotherapy. My tongue is over my teeth. My speech has changed.
What causes tongue to widen?

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Post chemotherapy glossitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare Magic and thanks for putting up the query
There can be loss of tongue surface papillae after chemotherapy or there can be weakness of tongue muscles which can be due to chemotherapy or the primary malignancy.
The flattening of tongue muscles can lead to a flat or widened appearance of tongue.
You should get yourself examined by a neurologist to exclude any other neurological condition.
Any further questions are always welcome.
I hope my advice proves helpful to you.
Take care
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (1 hour later)

Would exercising (curling) the tongue be helpful and how could a neurologist help?
Thanks for your previous response.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (16 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Post-chemotherapy tongue muscles weakness

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

Exercising may help. Even curling the tongue can help. The Neurologist will assess for the exact cause for muscle weakness. Medical management is required in few cases that can help. The Neurologist can also diagnose any otherwise involvement which might be missed by the patient.

Any further questions are always welcome.

Take care
Thanks and 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. Arnab Banerjee