PIGMENTED FUNGIFORM PAPILLAE OF THE TONGUE: A COMMON VARIANT OF ORAL PIGMENTATION

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Pigmented fungiform papillae of the tongue are a common, yet infrequently considered, variant of normal oral pigmentation. The clinical and histologic features of this entity are described. A random survey of 300 individuals revealed this finding in 30% of Negro women, 25% of Negro men and in several members of other deeply pigmented races. Once the condition is recognized, the clinician need not concern himself nor his patient with a long list of potentially ominous diagnoses.