Pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue: clinical and dermoscopic features

Abstract

We present a clinical report of pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue (PFPT), describing the dermoscopic pattern of the lesions. This case is of significance because, although PFPT is not uncommon, it is not present as an entity in most textbooks and seldom mentioned in the medical literature. Our aim is to emphasise that a prompt diagnosis will avoid further unnecessary investigations. Figure 2: Dermoscopy of the peigmented fungiform papillae.

Clinical utility of dermoscopy on diagnosing pigmented papillary fungiform papillae of the tongue: A systematic review

“…15 The dermoscopes of PFTT is unique, it appears as cobblestone appearance, 39 and rose petal appearance. 40 Rose petal appearance showed as pigmented borders, ovoid hyperpigmented projections with dichotomized vessels originating at its base, 41 and cobblestone appearance showed as light to dark brown pigmentation on papillae, round or polygonal in shape and circumscribed resembling a cobblestone. 20,42 Due to the pigment that is restricted to the borders, they have a much better-defined contour than the usual non-pigmented fungiform papillae.…”

“…16 Few authors mentioned that histopathological examination is not required in examination of pigmented tongue lesion with no underlying systemic conditions or other oral pigmentations. 35,40 The PFTT is localized in the tongue, the other condition of pigmented and affected on papillae must consider as differential diagnosis. This condition refers to black hairy tongue, 43 median rhomboid glossitis, 36 benign migratory glossitis, 36 macula melanotic, 44 physiological hyperpigmentation, 36 lingual varicosity, 45,46 and leukoplakia.…”

Pigmented Fungiform Papillae of the Tongue and Lingual Fimbriae as Single Presentation in Adult: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…In most of the reports, pigmented papillae fungiform were found in dark-skinned children or young adults. 12 Cases of pigmented papillae fungiform are still not widely reported in Asia. The first pigmented papillae fungiform was reported in Asia by Scarf and Marks (2003), 13 and then by Tan et al ( 2014) among the Chinese.…”

Dentists' knowledge and attitudes regarding PFPT: A single study in East Java, Indonesia

“… 4 The lesion is prone to widespread development on the dorsum, lateral to the anterior region of the tongue, thus posing esthetic concerns during speech. 5 Despite its clinical significance, PFPT remains inadequately reported and described in the literature, and thus often poses diagnostic dilemmas for dentists, and impede precise diagnostic investigations and treatment planning. 2 …”

“… 9 PFPT is considered a normal variant of the mucosa, characterized by its inert growth and lack of need for treatment. 2 PFPT may be distributed extensively across the dorsum, lateral and anterior regions of the tongue, 5 thereby potentially interfering with speech aesthetics and precipitating a condition known as cancer phobia. 2 …”