

Copyright 2006 Martin S. Spiller, D.M.D. courtesy of Dr. Ed Cataldo
The embryonic tongue is formed by two lateral processes (tissue projections) which meet in the middle and fuse, from front to back. In most people this fusion is complete, but occasionally, the fusion is incomplete, and an asymptomatic (without symptoms) lesion like the one above is formed. In many cases, this structure tends to be infected with the thrush yeast, Candida albicans. This infection is also painless, but it causes an atrophic inflammation (redness and the loss of normal surface anatomy) in the immediate area. No treatment is necessary for this lesion. It is considered normal anatomy. The lesion will sometimes recede temporarily when treated with Nystatin or Diflucan®