Conditions Associated With A Fissured Tongue

Melkersson-Rosenthal Syndrome

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is a neurological disorder with a genetic component. The symptoms of this disorder include facial swelling, partial-facial paralysis, and fissured tongue. These symptoms are not constant but may come and go without warning throughout a patient’s life. This syndrome, though incurable, is not life-threatening. Treatment involves addressing the symptoms as they occur. For example, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may be prescribed to reduce facial swelling. In more extreme cases, surgery will be performed to improve the function of facial nerves. Patients with the syndrome may also need speech therapy if facial swelling, especially swelling of the lips, lasts for an extended period.

Genetic Link

The genetic link to fissured tongue is not entirely understood, though the condition does seem to be passed on from one generation to the next. Part of the challenge in understanding the genetics of fissured tongue is it is a feature of other syndromes with genetic links, making it difficult to find a clear link to the root cause. Another issue is the likelihood of having fissured tongue increases with age, and the condition may appear in individuals without a family history of fissured tongue. It is unclear whether genetic factors simply predispose patients toward having the condition at some point or predispose them to an earlier onset of the condition.