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What Causes A Cluster Of Small Red Bumps On The Tongue?

Posted on Fri, 24 Jun 2016

Question: On each side of the tip of my tongue kind of on the sides I have a cluster of tiny red bumps. (They aren't painful.) The rest if my tongue appears normal. I went to my dentist Thursday and he said my tongue is irritated, but I'm worried these bumps weren't there when he looked. I asked if my tongue looked like it could be cancerous and he said cancer looks a little different then that. (he said it in a way to make me believe it's not what cancer looks like at all.) I've never smoked, I don't drink, never chewed or dipped. My only faults are I am overweight and
was diagnosed with cervical HPV about 4 years ago. I'm scared I might have oral HPV and it's causing cancer.
I might also mention I have severe illness anxiety...Could extreme stress cause these or any changes in my tongue?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A photo of your tongue is required

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

I have gone through your medical history carefully and understood your concern.

Before running into final conclusion, I'd like to have a look at your tongue first. Can you please send me a picture photo of your tongue to evaluate the changes myself?

Are you having any symptom like burning? ache? sore throat? or any other?

Being diagnosed with genital HPV does not mean you will have oral HPV too although the risks.

Looking forward to have the requested photo in.
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)

I have a burning feeling, but I've noticed when my anxiety is less I don't feel it as much. I couldn't get great pictures, but here's a couple that may do. I wake up with white around a red area, but it brushes off and doesn't appear again until the next morning. I attached a picture of that as well. Is oral cancer on the tip of the tongue common in a 31 year old female? I know my dentist said this isn't what it looks like, I'm just trying to fight anxiety.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Candida thrush/anemia to investigate further

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Thank you for providing the requested picture and details.

That is not cancer. It is inflammation changes in your tongue. My thoughts go for possible oral thrush. A culture of oral swab can determine it.

If I was your caring doctor would recommend to run complete blood count to rule out Anemia which is very common in women and is often associated with changes in oral mucosa.

If Candida is confirmed, it can be easily treated with miconazole oral gel or fluconazole. Probiotics should be taken together with keeping good oral hygiene.

Hope it helped.
Dr.Albana
Dr.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 minutes later)

thank you!!! I was just treaded for oral thrush and all blood work was normal. maybe stress is causing it and I'm rubbing my tongue against my teeth at night. thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Happy to assist you the best way

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

I think you need another round of antifungal treatment again.

Possibly rubbing your tongue against your teeth could be another cause.
Once again it is not oral cancer, inflammation yes, cancer no.

All the best.
If no more questions, please close this discussion.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (45 minutes later)

my tongue isn't white right now after I brushed my teeth. can stress cause thrush? I've been tested for hiv and that was negative.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following answers to your questions.....,

Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,

Ok, I see, but your tongue is white most of the time, suggesting that fungal infection is persisting.

Stress will cause improper nutrition and reduced immunity. This will make you more prone to opportunistic infectiona like Candida as in your case.

All the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (7 minutes later)

Thank you so much for all your help! You've calmed my nerves! Have a blessed day, Dr. Sejdini!

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You're most welcome

Detailed Answer:
Happy to assist you.

All the best and God bless.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar