This patient was a former smoker and was being treated for essential hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperuricemia. Oral examination during the three follow up visits are being shown What is the most likely diagnosis of the tongue involvement?

Ans. A. Geographic tongue* Geographic tongue, also known as benign migratory glossitis and migratory stomatitis, is the correct answer.* The changing lesions are suggestive of a geographic map (hence geographic tongue) with pink continents surrounded by whiter oceans.* It is a recurrent, benign, usually asymptomatic, inflammatory condition, of unknown etiology, of the tongue, affecting nearly 2% of the general population.* Geographic tongue typically presents with migratory red lingual patches, which are irregularly shaped erythematous patches bordered by a white keratotic band. Tongue lesions exhibit central erythema because of atrophy of the filiform papillae of tongue epithelium.* Lesions may last days, months, or years. THE LESIONS DO NOT SCAR.* It being a benign asymptomatic condition, therefore requires no treatment.