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Multiple Red Plaques with Severe Burning and Soreness on the Tongue
DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION

Case Author(s): Hardeep Chehal, BDS; Donald M. Cohen, DMD, MS, MBA; Indraneel Bhattacharyya, DDS, MSD

History of Present Illness

The patient presented with a chief complaint of burning tongue lesions existing for at least six months. She reported the lesions wax and wane and are aggravated by spicy foods, citrus, or acidic substances such as sodas, vinegar, and lemonade. Episodically her tongue is excruciatingly sore to the extent she is unable to touch the lesions. She also complained of a tingling of her extremities.

Past Medical History

The patient’s medical history was significant for breast cancer, treated 30 years ago, and a history of hypertension and asthma. Her medications include prednisone and steroid-based bronchodilators. She is a non-smoker and denies any alcohol use.

Clinical and Cytologic Findings

Intraoral examination revealed multiple red plaques with edema (Figures 1 and 2). Exquisite tenderness was encountered on palpation of the lesional areas of the ventral and dorsal surfaces of her tongue. The redness was particularly prominent on the ventral surface. The dorsal lesions were seen bilaterally. All other oral tissues appeared to be unaffected by the process. Her oral hygiene was excellent. A cytologic smear was taken and failed to reveal any fungal organisms.

Figure 1 shows the anterior ventral and tip of the tongue with prominent erythema
Figure 1. The anterior ventral and tip of the tongue exhibiting a well demarcated and prominent erythema.
Figure 2 shows the dorsum and lateral borders of the tongue with patchy erythema
Figure 2. The dorsum and lateral borders of the tongue also demonstrating patchy erythema.

Laboratory Findings

Complete blood work up was done with most findings within the normal range as shown in Table 1.


Table 1. Blood work up.
Test Value Range
Vitamin B12 L 55 (243-894) pg/ml
Folate 15.6 (4.4-19.9) ng/ml
Complete Blood Count (with differential count)
WBC 5.8 (5.0-10.0)thou/cumm
RBC 4.43 (4.0-5.0)g/dl
HGB 13.3 (12.0-15.0) g/dl
HCT 40.9 (36.0-45.0) %
MCV 92.4 (80.0100.0)cu micron
MCH 30.0 (27.0-31.0) pg
MCHC 32.4 (32.0-37.0) g/dl
RDW H 16.0 (11.5-14.5) %
PLT 263 9150-400)thou/cu mm
MPV 9.2 (7.4-10.4) fl
NEUT L 57.1 (60-75) %
LYMPH 34.9 (25-40) %
MONO 6.2 (3.7) %
EOS L 1.7 (3.5) %
BASO 0.1 (0-1) %
Differential Type (automatic differential)
NEUT ABS 3.3 (3.0-7.5) thou/cu mm
LYMPH ABS 2.0 (1.3-4.0) thou/cu mm
MONO ABS 0.4 (0.2-0.7) thou/cu mm
EOS ABS 0.1 (0.1-0.5) thou/cu mm
BASO ABS 0.0 (0.0-0.1) thou/cu mm
Abnormal parameters are indicated by “L” for below normal range and “H” for above normal range.

Histopathological Findings

Microscopic examination of the biopsy specimen showed keratinized stratified squamous epithelium on the surface which was focally atrophic with areas of inflammatory cell infiltration. A moderately dense band of lymphocytes was noted immediately subjacent to the epithelium. Minor atypical changes were seen in the basal layers of the epithelium (Figures 3 and 4). No dysplasia or malignant features were noted. A second biopsy specimen was obtained for direct immunofluorescent antibody staining which revealed fibrinogen positivity along the basement membrane zone. IgG, C3, IgM, and IgA immunohistochemical studies proved to be negative. A diagnosis of chronic lichenoid mucositis with epithelial atrophy suggestive of a lichenoid reaction was rendered.

Figure 3 - Histomicrograph 10x
Figure 3 - Histomicrograph 20x
Figure 3 and 4. Histomicrographs using hematoxylin and eosin stain demonstrating keratinized surface epithelium with focal areas of atrophy and areas of inflammatory cell infiltration. A dense band of lymphocytes is seen immediately subjacent to the epithelium. Minor atypical changes were seen in the basal layers of the epithelium. Images are x10 and x20 magnification, respectively.
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