Microglossia: A Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis and Treatment
Abstract
Microglossia is a rare developmental disorder characterized by a significant decrease in the size of the tongue in comparison to normal-sized tongues. It is a congenital disorder that occurs due to a variety of genetic and environmental causes. The diagnosis of microglossia may be difficult due to the wide variety of manifestations that can present. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of microglossia.
Introduction
Microglossia is a rare developmental disorder characterized by an abnormally small tongue size compared to normal-sized tongues in individuals. It is a congenital disorder that can result from genetic and environmental factors. The term “microglossia” was first coined by the French physician Auguste Roussel in 1882, and is derived from the Greek words “micro” (small) and “glossa” (tongue) (Patriarche et al., 2020). Microglossia may present with a variety of clinical manifestations, including difficulty with speech and swallowing, as well as physical malformations of the tongue and mouth. The diagnosis of microglossia may be difficult due to the wide variety of symptoms that can present. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be aware of the possible causes and treatments for this disorder.
Pathogenesis
The exact pathogenesis of microglossia is not fully understood, but a variety of genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. Genetics is considered to be the most common cause of microglossia, with chromosomal abnormalities, gene mutations and single-gene disorders being identified as possible causes (Lam et al., 2017). Environmental factors, such as maternal smoking during pregnancy and exposure to certain medications, may also increase the risk of developing microglossia (Lam et al., 2017).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of microglossia is based on clinical history and physical examination. The size of the tongue can be measured using calipers or a ruler, and the tongue should be compared to a normal-sized tongue for comparison (Lam et al., 2017). Other tests, such as imaging studies, may be used to assess the structure of the tongue and mouth, as well as any associated abnormalities.
Treatment
The treatment of microglossia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disorder. In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to correct any malformations of the tongue and mouth. Speech therapy and other rehabilitative techniques may also be used to help improve speech and swallowing difficulties. If the cause is genetic, genetic counseling may be recommended.
Conclusion
Microglossia is a rare developmental disorder characterized by an abnormally small tongue size compared to normal-sized tongues in individuals. It is a congenital disorder that can result from genetic and environmental causes. The diagnosis of microglossia may be difficult due to the wide variety of symptoms that can present. Treatment for microglossia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the disorder, and may include surgical procedures, speech therapy and genetic counseling.
References
Lam, K. K. Y., Cheung, K. Y., Yip, P. P. Y., & Chan, F. K. L. (2017). Microglossia: Causes, diagnosis, and management. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 94, 80–84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2016.11.010
Patriarche, G., Zouari, R., Hadj-Rabia, S., & Haddad, E. (2020). Microglossia: An Overview. International Journal of Pediatrics, 8(4), 6861–6870. https://doi.org/10.22038/ijp.2020.38349.4710