Macroglossia
Printable VersionMacroglossia
Definition
Macroglossia is a disorder in which the tongue is larger than normal.
Information
Macroglossia is usually caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than by a growth, such as a tumor.
This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital (existing at birth) disorders, including:
- Acromegaly
- Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
- Congenital hypothyroidism
- Diabetes
- Down syndrome
- Lymphangioma/hemangioma
- Mucopolysaccharidoses
- Primary amyloidosis
Review Date: 5/12/2009
Reviewed by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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