Short Case Report

A case of isolated aglossia

Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, New Cairo, Egypt

^* Correspondence: noha.adel@dentistry.cu.edu.eg

Received: 1 April 2018
Accepted: 12 June 2018

Abstract

Introduction: Aglossia is a rare condition of failure of development of the lateral lingual swellings during embryogenesis and is usually associated with other deformities especially the fingers and limbs. Isolated aglossia is extremely rare. Observation: This is a case report of a 21-year-old patient with isolated aglossia whose floor of the mouth compensated for the tongue's absence in speech, eating and swallowing. Thus the patient did not express any disability and refused reconstructive treatment. Commentaries: Aglossia may be accompanied by many deformities or as part of a syndrome, so other symptoms must be excluded. The floor of the mouth usually adapts to the role of the tongue leading to fulfillment of most of the functions of the tongue. Conclusion: Aglossia is a rare condition, however the adaptation of the surrounding tissues compensated for the absence of the tongue makes the condition tolerable to the patient, this however does not undermine the fact that a multidisciplinary approach is key in managing such a condition.