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Macroglossia

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Throat anatomy Macroglossia Macroglossia

Overview

Macroglossia

Definition:

Macroglossia is a disorder in which the tongue is larger than normal.

Information:

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Macroglossia is usually caused by an increase in the amount of tissue on the tongue, rather than because of an external growth like a tumor.

This condition can be seen in certain inherited or congenital disorders including:

• Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (low blood sugar in a newborn with macroglossia and other enlarged organs)
• Congenital hypothyroidism (newborn with decreased or, rarely, no thyroid hormone production)
• Down's syndrome
• Primary amyloidosis
• Acromegaly (excess growth hormone)

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