Pigmented Fungiform Papillae of the Tongue: A Single-center Experience and Review of Literature

• Published in: Annals of dermatology 2023-08, Vol.35 (4), p.266
• Main Authors: Jungsoo Lee, Jin-su Lee, Sung-min Park, Kihyuk Shin, Hyun-chang Ko, Byung-soo Kim, Moon-bum Kim, Hoon-soo Kim
• Format: Article
• Language: Korean
• Subjects: Fungiform papillae; Korea; Pigmented; Tongue
• ISSN: 1013-9087; 2005-3894

Background: Pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue (PFPT) is a rare benign pigmentary disorder of the tongue. In dark-skinned individuals, PFPT appears to be relatively common. However, limited data exist on PFPT in Korean patients. Objective: We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of PFPT in Korean patients. Methods: Patients diagnosed with PFPT between 1995 and 2021 at the Pusan National University Hospital were included. Clinical characteristics of PFPT, dermoscopic findings, and comorbidities were reviewed. Results: A total of 19 patients diagnosed with PFPT were enrolled. The male to female ratio was approximately 1:5. The mean age at diagnosis was 41.1 years (range, 8~67 years). According to Holzwanger’s classification, Type I was the most common (89.5%). PFPT was commonly concomitant with pigmentary disorders, including mucosal melanotic macules, Laugier-Hunziker syndrome, melasma, and melanonychia (6/19, 31.6%). Preceding oral infection or inflammatory lesions were found in four patients (21.1%), and systemic diseases and infectious diseases existed in two patients (10.5%). Dermoscopic examination was performed in seven patients; pigmented border with dichotomized vessels (rose petal pattern, 71.4%) and diffuse pigmentation (cobblestone pattern, 71.4%) were common findings. Conclusion: Our study shows PFPT can coexist with pigmentary disorders. Concomitant pigmentary disorder shows an association with sex hormone or susceptibility to abnormal pigmentation may be a possible cause of PFPT.