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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling At The Base Of Tongue?

My throat has been swelling at the base of my tongue. It swells so bad that I can barely swallow, can hardly speak. It becomes very difficult for me to even move my tongue. It is always at the base of my tongue on the left side. The pain radiates up into my ear. This has happened repeatedly every month this year. I have a history of epiglottitis. 4 times being hospitalized. I am seeing an ENT says he has never seen anything like this before and that he isn't sure what to do. A friend suggested me to read up on HPV and throat cancer. After researching that I am very concerned. Do you have any advice on what I should do?
Tue, 20 Jun 2017
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi..
Thanks for the query..

As per your complain swelling at the base of tongue that comes and goes seems to be most probably related to swelling in the submandibular salivary gland..
At times the duct of the salivary gland gets blocked due to stone formation and there is pooling of saliva in the gland itself causing swelling..

Other causes can be infection in the gland or allergic reaction..

I would suggest you to consult an Oral Surgeon and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigation like x ray, MRI Scan, and blood test can help in diagnosis and treatment can be done accordingly..

You can be advised anti allergic medication and steroid to reduce the swelling..
Antibiotics can be advised in case of infection..

In case of obstructed duct manual or surgical removal of the stones has to be done depending upon the position of stones.

Hope this helps..

Regards..
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What Causes Swelling At The Base Of Tongue?

Hi.. Thanks for the query.. As per your complain swelling at the base of tongue that comes and goes seems to be most probably related to swelling in the submandibular salivary gland.. At times the duct of the salivary gland gets blocked due to stone formation and there is pooling of saliva in the gland itself causing swelling.. Other causes can be infection in the gland or allergic reaction.. I would suggest you to consult an Oral Surgeon and get evaluated and a thorough clinical evaluation and investigation like x ray, MRI Scan, and blood test can help in diagnosis and treatment can be done accordingly.. You can be advised anti allergic medication and steroid to reduce the swelling.. Antibiotics can be advised in case of infection.. In case of obstructed duct manual or surgical removal of the stones has to be done depending upon the position of stones. Hope this helps.. Regards..