Benign migratory glossitis: a case report

Abstract

Background: Benign migratory glossitis can be easily confused with differential diagnoses that have a potential unfavorable prognosis if not identified in a timely manner – although it is a common finding in the general population, with an estimated prevalence of up to 3% in healthy individuals in the general population worldwide – being early recognition is important.

Case description: A 22-year-old man, with a personal history of generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks, seeks an acute illness consultation in primary health care due to complaints of lesions on the upper face and lateral edges of the tongue with approximately two months of evolution with sensation burns with hot foods and with fluctuating evolution. The patient presented an extensive analytical study without relevant changes and on physical examination the changes in the buccal mucosa were visible. Having already been treated with oral antifungals without success and given the characteristic appearance, the diagnosis of benign migratory glossitis was made, and the patient was reassured.

Comment: Benign migratory glossitis (BMG) is a relatively common clinical entity in the healthy general population (prevalence of 1 to 3%), with a chronic inflammatory basis that affects the tongue and adjacent buccal mucosa, usually with a fluctuating and chronic evolution. Despite its benignity and generally being asymptomatic, the associated signs can be a significant cause of concern and anxiety in patients, contributing to a decrease in quality of life in the absence of reassurance from the attending physician.