Tongue Abscess: Diagnosis and Treatment of an Uncommon Condition

Tongue (lingual) abscess is a rare condition that has the potential to acutely compromise the airway and may even lead to death if misdiagnosed. The incidence of such cases has significantly decreased since the introduction of antibiotics. However, our current understanding is primarily based on a limited number of case reports.

In this chapter, we have reviewed the available data on tongue abscess using the PubMed database and have presented two new cases that were treated. In total, 68 cases (comprising 45 case reports and 8 case series) met the inclusion criteria and were discussed, alongside the two cases treated by the authors.

The most common presenting symptoms included pain and swelling of the tongue, though other symptoms were not uncommon. In severe cases, securing the airway through a tracheostomy procedure may be necessary. The majority of cases were successfully treated with needle aspiration and/or surgical incision and drainage, resulting in excellent outcomes. Notably, there was no specific bacterial pattern observed.

In conclusion, it is crucial to promptly recognize lingual abscesses, secure the airway when necessary, and perform surgical drainage as part of the treatment plan.