A fissured tongue is exactly like the name describes a tongue with fissures on its surface. It is not a cause for concern, and it is considered a normal variation. Fissured tongue affects roughly five percent of the population. It affects men slightly more than women. This condition occurs during childhood; however, it is more prominent in adults. Fissures may become more defined with age.
While the exact cause is not known, it may be inherited. Fissured tongue may accompany these other conditions:
Geographic tongue: This is a condition that commonly shows up with fissured tongue. This condition is not a serious issue, and there are no significant side effects.
Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: This is a rare condition causing swelling of the lips and face. Additionally, it causes periodic facial paralysis and a fissured tongue.
Geographic tongue is also known as benign migratory glossitis. It results in red and white areas that spread to the top and side of the tongue. While it usually affects the tongue, it can also affect other areas of the mouth. Despite the appearance, geographic tongue is not linked to cancer or infection. This condition affects between one to three percent of the population.