Fissured tongue: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Fissured tongue (lingua plicata) is a mostly asymptomatic condition characterized by grooves and fissures of varying depth on the dorsal surface of the tongue. Most reports in the literature indicate a prevalence of 10–20%, although there is marked variation Objectives: The objectives of the study are: 1. To assess the most prevalent pattern of fissured tongue in patients 2. To assess the possible association between the occurrence of fissured tongue with age, gender, symptoms and medical illness.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in our department of oral medicine and radiology. Fissured tongue was diagnosed clinically based on the presence of grooves on the dorsal and lateral aspects of the tongue and also the pattern of fissure. The subjects were asked about their habit history, symptoms related to tongue lesions and medical history. Statistical analysis: Chi square test was done to assess the relation between fissured tongue with age, sex, habits, symptoms and medical illness. Results: Out of 100 subjects screened, 68 were males and 32 were females. The fissures were found to be least in the 0-20 year age group, 4 (4 %) and it was most prevalent in the 21-40 age group, 38 (38 %), followed by 41- 60, 33 (33 %) and 61-80, 25 (25 %) years of age. The most prevalent pattern of fissure was found to be central longitudinal fissuring, 50 (50 %), followed by transverse fissures arising from a central fissure 16 (16 %), then type I, 13 (13 %) type V, 13 (13 %), type VI, 6 (6 %) and type III, 2(2 %). The least prevalent pattern was type III, double fissures. There was no significant association of fissured tongue with systemic conditions. Conclusion: The fissured tongue was most prevalent in the 21-40 age group and in the males. Central longitudinal fissuring was the most prevalent pattern seen. The occurrence of fissured tongue showed no association with any systemic conditions.