Prevalence of tongue lesions in Gold Coast
Purpose: While diagnosis of tongue lesions is an essential part of clinical practice, there is no systemic study in these lesions in the Gold Coast region (one of the Australia’s fastest growing communities). The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of the different tongue lesions in Gold Coast, Australia
Methods: The demographic and pathological data of tongue lesions in the Department of Pathology, Gold Coast Hospital in the period January 1998 – December 2005 were analysed.
Results: One hundred and twelve patients (69 men, 43 women; M: F= 1.6:1) with tongue lesions were identified. Their ages ranged from 5 to 91 (median, 60). Four per cent (n=5) of the tongue lesions were noted in the paediatric population (age < 20). Both benign and malignant tongue lesions were more often noted in the males. Pre-malignant and malignant tongue lesions were found in older patients when compared with benign ones (mean age = 63 versus 53, p =0.001). Benign tongue lesions were seen in 56% of the patients (n=63). The benign tongue lesions were often either non-specific inflammation (n=15) or ulcer (n=15). The other inflammatory related lesions were Candidiasis (n=6), squamous hyperplasia (n=7) and lichen planus (n=1). The common benign tongue tumours were fibroepithelial polyp (n=11) and cavernous haemangioma (n=4). Other than these, there were 2 mucinous extravasation cysts and 1 neuroma found exclusively in the paediatric patients. One lymphoepithelial cyst was also noted. Pre-malignant lesions (squamous dysplasia or carcinoma-in-situ, n=8) and carcinomas (n=41) comprised 44% of the tongue lesions. Other than an adenocystic carcinoma, all the malignant tongue lesions were squamous cell carcinomas.
Conclusions: A variety of benign and malignant lesions can be found in the tongue. Recognition of the prevalence and clinicopathological features of these lesions may provide useful information for improving the management of the tongue lesions.