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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Two Big Red Bumps On Side Of Tongue, Long White Hair Type Things On Tongue. History Of Smoking. Visit To Doctor Necessary?

Hi. Today when I brushed and scraped my tongue, I noticed I had these long white hair type things. I have never had this before and I am really freaked out. I do smoke but recently cut way back so I don't believe that is what caused it. Will this go away on it's own, or do I need to go see someone? I also noticed I had two big bumps on the side of my tongue. They don't hurt at all, they are just really red.
Fri, 19 Jul 2013
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,

Presence of hairy lesions on the tongue, red bumps on the side of the tongue and a history of smoking requires prompt clinical examination.
White hairy lesion in the oral cavity is called hairy leukoplakia and red lesion is called erythroplakia.
Smoking is an important risk factor for development of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions in the oral mucosa.
A clinical examination and biopsy of these areas is required to look for any specific lesion microscopically.
Cancer of the oral mucosa is commonly seen in people who smoke and / or chew tobacco.
Discontinue smoking as this will only cause more damage.
These lesions do not disappear spontaneously.
They have to be removed surgically.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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Two Big Red Bumps On Side Of Tongue, Long White Hair Type Things On Tongue. History Of Smoking. Visit To Doctor Necessary?

Hello and welcome to HCM, Presence of hairy lesions on the tongue, red bumps on the side of the tongue and a history of smoking requires prompt clinical examination. White hairy lesion in the oral cavity is called hairy leukoplakia and red lesion is called erythroplakia. Smoking is an important risk factor for development of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions in the oral mucosa. A clinical examination and biopsy of these areas is required to look for any specific lesion microscopically. Cancer of the oral mucosa is commonly seen in people who smoke and / or chew tobacco. Discontinue smoking as this will only cause more damage. These lesions do not disappear spontaneously. They have to be removed surgically. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal