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What are skin tags?

Skin tags are a common occurrence for people of all ages. They tend to develop in areas where your skin rubs against itself, such as your armpits or eyelids. While you might notice some bumps that look like skin tags on your tongue, they’re likely something else, such as a cyst or area of extra tissue. Skin tags only grow on the outer layer of your skin, not the mucous membranes that line your inner mouth and tongue.

Keep reading to learn more about what might cause a skin tag-like growth on your tongue and how to remove it.

Irritation fibroma

A fibroma is a small, noncancerous cluster of tissue. They can occur in many areas, including your tongue. It might be the same color as your tongue or slightly darker or lighter. They’re usually caused by some sort of minor injury, such as biting your tongue or rubbing it against a rough tooth or retainer. When this happens, it’s known as an irritation fibroma.

Most irritation fibromas are painless and don’t require treatment. If you want to remove it, your doctor can perform a surgical excision.

Human papilloma virus

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a type of sexually transmitted disease. While most people associate HPV with the genitals, it can also affect your mouth and throat. This is usually caused by oral sex.

When HPV affects your mouth, it can cause several types of bumps inside your mouth, including on your tongue. One of the more common growths, called squamous cell papilloma, can look a lot like a skin tag on your tongue. These flesh-colored bumps are noncancerous warts. You might notice just one or a cluster of several tag-like growths in one spot. They can show up on your tongue, lips, or throat.

While they’re harmless, they can sometimes get in the way of eating and drinking. If you find them bothersome, your doctor can surgically excise them, or freeze them off with cryosurgery.

Regardless of whether you want to remove the growths, it’s best to check in with your doctor. There are many variations of HPV, and some of them increase your risk of certain types of oral cancer. Your doctor can confirm whether the growth on your tongue is cancerous by doing a simple biopsy.

Warning signs

In most cases, a growth resembling a skin tag on your tongue is harmless. However, it’s always best to get any new tongue bumps checked out by your doctor just to be sure.

You should also see your doctor as soon as possible if you also notice any of the following symptoms:

changes in size, texture, or color of the growth

pain in your mouth that doesn’t go away

open wounds in your mouth that won’t heal

red or white patches inside your mouth

throat pain or tightness

numbness

voice changes

unexplained weight loss

trouble chewing or swallowing

problems moving your jaw or tongue

While many of these can be signs of a minor underlying condition, they can also be early symptoms of oral cancer.

The bottom line

Skin tags don’t grow on your tongue. However, several things that often resemble skin tags can grow on your tongue. While they’re usually not a sign of anything serious, it’s best to get any new bump on your tongue checked out by your doctor to rule out any underlying condition that needs treatment.

(06/26/2021)
by Healthline

More Information: https://www.healthline.com/health/skin-tag-on-tongue

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