Macroglossia

Synonyms

• Enlarged Tongue
• Giant Tongue

Disorder Subdivisions

• Congenital Macroglossia

General Discussion

Macroglossia is the abnormal enlargement of the tongue. In rare cases, macroglossia occurs as an isolated finding that is present at birth (congenital). In many cases, macroglossia may occur secondary to a primary disorder that may be either congenital (e.g., Down syndrome or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome) or acquired (e.g., as a result of trauma or malignancy). Symptoms and physical findings associated with macroglossia may include noisy, high-pitched breathing (stridor), snoring, and/or feeding difficulties. In some cases, the tongue may protrude from the mouth. When inherited, macroglossia is transmitted as an autosomal dominant genetic trait.

Resources

Smell and Taste Center

University of Pennsylvania

5 Ravdin Building

3400 Spruce Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Tel: (215)662-6580

Fax: (215)349-5266

Email: helene.katz@uphs.upenn.edu

Internet: http://www.med.upenn.edu/stc



NIH/National Oral Health Information Clearinghouse

1 NOHIC Way

Bethesda, MD 20892-3500

USA

Tel: (301)402-7364

Fax: (301)907-8830

TDD: (301)656-7581

Email: nohic@nidcr.nih.gov

Internet: http://www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov

For a Complete Report

This is an abstract of a report from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. ® (NORD). A copy of the complete report can be obtained for a small fee by visiting the NORD website. The complete report contains additional information including symptoms, causes, affected population, related disorders, standard and investigational treatments (if available), and references from medical literature. For a full-text version of this topic, see http://www.rarediseases.org/search/rdblist.html

The information provided in this report is not intended for diagnostic purposes. It is provided for informational purposes only. NORD recommends that affected individuals seek the advice or counsel of their own personal physicians.

It is possible that the title of this topic is not the name you selected. Please check the Synonyms listing to find the alternate name(s) and Disorder Subdivision(s) covered by this report

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through the date at the end of the topic. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder.

For additional information and assistance about rare disorders, please contact the National Organization for Rare Disorders at P.O. Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968; phone (203) 744-0100; web site www.rarediseases.org or email orphan@rarediseases.org

Last Updated:  4/4/2005

Copyright  1987, 1989, 1997, 2005 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.