Macroglossia

Definition

Macroglossia is a disorder in which the tongue is larger than normal.

Information

Macroglossia is usually caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than because of an external growth like a tumor.

This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital disorders including:

• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (low blood sugar in a newborn with macroglossia and other enlarged organs)
• Congenital hypothyroidism (newborn with decreased or, rarely, no thyroid hormone production)
• Down's syndrome
• Primary amyloidosis
• Acromegaly (excess growth hormone)

Illustrations

Throat anatomy

Macroglossia

Macroglossia

Page Content:

macroglossia