What is a median rhomboid glossitis (MRG)?
It is another benign involvement of the dorsum of the tongue, inflammatory or infectious in nature, and often mistaken for cancer. Rather uncommon (estimated prevalence <1% of adults), it presents as a rhomboidal patch of reddened mucosa on the midline of the dorsum, just anterior to the “V” region of the
circumvallate papillae (sulcus terminalis). This patch is sharply circumscribed, flat or raised, and with a firm
texture. It is either asymptomatic or associated with a slightly burning sensation after spicy foods. The
etiology is unknown, although candidiasis has been implicated, especially given the frequency of positive
cultures and histologic examinations.
It is another benign involvement of the dorsum of the tongue, inflammatory or infectious in nature, and often mistaken for cancer. Rather uncommon (estimated prevalence <1% of adults), it presents as a rhomboidal patch of reddened mucosa on the midline of the dorsum, just anterior to the “V” region of the
circumvallate papillae (sulcus terminalis). This patch is sharply circumscribed, flat or raised, and with a firm
texture. It is either asymptomatic or associated with a slightly burning sensation after spicy foods. The
etiology is unknown, although candidiasis has been implicated, especially given the frequency of positive
cultures and histologic examinations.