A retrospective study on tongue malformations and a suggested classification

Objective: The objective of this study was to present the tongue abnormalities associated with different genetic disorders as well as propose a new classification for these anomalies. Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, the oro-dental reports from the outpatient clinic of the Oro-Dental Genetics department from the period of 1-1-2016 till 31-12-2016 were reviewed for the tongue abnormalities present. Results: The study included 304 patients; 121 patients had tongue abnormalities (39.8%). Tongue size abnormalities were present in 34 patients (28%). Position abnormalities accounted for 14 cases (11.5%). Tongue coating abnormalities were present in 19 patients (15.7%). Errors of fusion particularly bifid tip of the tongue was present in 28 patients (23.1%). There was a tongue hemangioma that presented in a patient with kindler syndrome. There were other abnormalities that were suggestive of diagnoses as the hamartomatous masses associated with oro-facio-digital syndrome and others. Conclusion: This study described different tongue anomalies seen in a group of patients diagnosed with genetic syndromes. Also, a newer classification system for tongue anomalies was proposed, which in our point of view will aid clinicians in diagnosis of genetic disorders associated with such anomalies.