HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Why Do I Have A White Raised Patch On The Back Of My Tongue ?

I dipped tobacco for just under 4 months, maybe right at 4 months, and I ve quit cold turkey, and feel good about it. I smoked inconstinately(spelling) for over 2 years, but could hardly ever finish a pack. But I noticed this bump towards the distal part of my tongue from the tip, just in front of my taste buds. I m able to scrape it, it doesn t bleed. My tongue had this white coating which has almost been resolved by drinking water. I m also 21 years old, and am going to go to the doctors to have it looked at, for the piece of mind. The bump and the patch looks sort of tannish. Any idea what this could be, and the odds associated with it?
Wed, 18 Jan 2012
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,
The patch you narrated may be hypertrophied taste buds and nothing else.
But as you have history of tobacco and other things malignancy should be ruled out.
Consult oral surgeon and take his opinion.
Ok and bye.
I find this answer helpful
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist Dr. Sumit Bhatti's  Response
1. There is no substitute for direct examination and biopsy.

2. The raised patch may be a patch of Leukoplakia (white) or Erythroplakia (red / tan) which are most probably related to tobacco use.

3. Leukoplakia or Erythroplakia is considered benign but a potential precancerous lesion with a risk of turning cancerous in 5 to 15% persons.

4. Stopping the irritative factor, such as tobacco in your case, lowers the risk. It is good to hear that you have quit. Usually, the Leukoplakia / Eruthroplakia stabilizes or reduces after the original irritation that caused it has been stopped.There are some other causes besides tobacco which can lead to other types of Leukoplakia / Erythroplakia.

5. One option for you is a brush biopsy with Oral CDX which you can easily arrange for.The other is a full biopsy followed by histopathological examination. Long term follow up is needed.
I find this answer helpful
  User's Response
Brandon's  Response
I also want to specify that the bump is towards the back of my tongue. From noticing it a few days ago, it has seemed to decrease in size. But I'm going to schedule an appointment with a doctor to male sure.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Smoking cessation


Loading Online Doctors....
Why Do I Have A White Raised Patch On The Back Of My Tongue ?

Hi, The patch you narrated may be hypertrophied taste buds and nothing else. But as you have history of tobacco and other things malignancy should be ruled out. Consult oral surgeon and take his opinion. Ok and bye.